Pedestrians are the most vulnerable group among road users.

To reduce the number

of pedestrians killed or injured by cars and motorcycles, the MOTC has spared no
effort when it came to promoting the "Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way" concept
in recent years. Accidents have continued to happen due to some drivers and riders
continuing to ignore or neglect the issue of pedestrian right-of-way. Recently, a
high school girl on the way home was run over by SUV turning left on a green light
when she was crossing the road at the zebra crossing on a green light as well. She
was taken to the hospital but did not survive.  The incident brought the issue of
"Pedestrian right-of-way" and pedestrian road safety to the forefront once more.  

　　"Right-of-way" refers to the precedence of road users when using road

facilities. Those with right-of-way have priority passage and access to road
facilities. Those without right-of-way do not have access and must wait for those
with right-of-way to pass before they may pass themselves.  

　　"Pedestrian right-of-way" refers to where pedestrians have priority on the road.

Pedestrian only lanes and pedestrian crossings are designed for the exclusive use of
pedestrians. Vehicles may not violate or drive along pedestrian only lanes.
Pedestrians always have right-of-way when using pedestrian crossings and all motor
vehicles/motorcycles must give way. To protect the safety of pedestrians, Article
103 of the Regulations Governing Punishment of Violation of Road Traffic
Regulations states the following: Car drivers must slow when approaching
pedestrian crossings and must always stop to let pedestrians cross first.  This rule
reinforced the "absolute right-of-way" enjoyed by pedestrians on the pedestrian
crossing. If cars or motorcycles fail to give way to pedestrians, Article 44 Paragraph
2 of the traffic safety regulations imposes a fine between NT$600 to NT$1,800.  

　　Pedestrians' right-of-way on the sidewalk and in arcades should be respected as

well. Sidewalks and arcades should ensure the absolute safety of pedestrians but in
Taiwan, street vendors occupy the sidewalks and motorcycles crowd the arcades.
These illegal obstructions on the road are all too common and impact on the road
safety of pedestrians. Pedestrian right-of-way should be guaranteed. Any behavior
that occupies the sidewalks or arcades should therefore be banned. How to
strengthen understanding of pedestrians' right-of-way on pedestrian crossings and in
arcades in order to give pedestrians an obstruction-free space has always been an
important issue in traffic safety. 

　　"Pedestrian right-of-way" guarantees the right of pedestrians to use roads

safely. At the same time, pedestrians must not violate the right-of-way of other
vehicles. The law requires pedestrians to use designated sidewalks; pedestrians may
not run or play around on the road or otherwise hinder the traffic; always use a
pedestrian crossing, footbridge or underpass to cross a road. Do not jump over the
fences and safety island to cross the road. It is the responsibility of pedestrians to
respect other vehicles' right-of-way. If pedestrians fail to follow the signs,
markings, signage or police instructions on the road, fails to use the marked
pedestrian crossings, fails to keep to the side on roads with sidewalks, crossing the
road in an improper manner or get involved in running, chasing, playing, sitting,
lying down, crouching down or standing around busy roads or railway crossings, if
they do so in a manner that obstructs the traffic then they will be issued a fine of
NT$360, or required to attend 1 ~ 2 hours of traffic safety lectures.  

　　Right-of-way is based on mutual respect. It is the responsibility and duty of

pedestrians, drivers and motorcyclists to pay attention to the road and give way to
other road users. If all road users can adopt a mindset of "Obey the traffic laws",
"Respect right-of-way" and "Give way to pedestrians", it will not only make the
roads safer for you and me, but also lead to a more harmonious society!