Fm 21-305/afman 24-306

FM 21-305/AFMAN 24-306At some intersections, special lights instructpedestrians either to walk or to wait. Wherethese lights are in operation, pedestrians mustobey them instead of the regular traffic lights.Pedestrians crossing on a special pedestriansignal have the right-of-way just as they do whencrossing on a green light.If you are going through an intersection on agreen light and a pedestrian starts to cross infront of you against a red light, warn him withyour horn. If he does not stop, then you muststop. If you save a life, losing your right-of-waywill be worthwhile. The safe driver yields theright-of-way to a pedestrian when thepedestrian is entitled to it and even when he isnot.Obey traffic rules when you are a pedestrian. As amilitary vehicle driver, you will frequently find yourselfin this role. When you walk, be as careful as youwant pedestrians to be when you are driving.When you cross a street, cross at an intersection orcrosswalk if one is available. Before you cross, stopand look in both directions. Be sure that you can getall the way across or to a safety island before the lightchanges.Remember, pedestrians as well as drivers must obeytraffic lights. Never start to cross on a red or yellowlight. Do not start to cross on a green light if youknow it is just about to change.When walking or jogging along a road withoutsidewalks, use the left shoulder and face oncomingtraffic. When a vehicle approaches, get off as far asnecessary for safety. At night, carry a flashlight or alight-reflecting object that will enable drivers to seeyou better. The lights of an oncoming vehicle maybe bright enough to blind you, but its driver may notsee you.BICYCLISTSThe number of bicycles being used on streets andhighways is growing daily, both for exercise purposesand for transportation in city areas. Bicyclists areexpected to obey the same traffic rules and regulationsas vehicle drivers, but many are children whomay not obey or even know the rules.A major problem for drivers is their inability to seebicyclists, especially at night. Sometimes they maybe in the blind spot of your vehicle. Keep on thelookout and slow down when you approachbicyclists. Tap your horn lightly if necessary to letthem know where you are. Give them plenty of roomwhen passing and be prepared to stop suddenly.ANIMALSStock laws vary from state to state and in someinstances are not properly enforced. Therefore,a vehicle operator should always be alert to thepossibility of a collision with an animal. Collisionwith even a small animal can cause serious vehicledamage and endanger human life. As a vehicleoperator, you must be thoroughly familiar with andobey all local laws. You must also exercise your bestjudgment and drive defensively at all times to avoidendangering animals, human life, and property.7-2