topic 7.
Participants in road traffic.

Rule 1

Pedestrians have priority at the zebra crossing

As soon as a pedestrian clearly wants to cross (waits at the zebra crossing, walks towards the street), you must stop - even if he has not yet entered the road. No overtaking in front of zebra crossings.

Rule 2

Children = maximum attention

Children cannot reliably estimate speed and distance. At schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, in residential areas: slow down, be ready to brake, seek visual contact. Children under 8 must ride on the sidewalk/bike path.

Rule 3

1.5 m lateral distance to the cyclist (in urban areas), 2 m outside of urban areas

Since 2020, the minimum distance when overtaking cyclists, e-scooters and pedestrians has been set by law. If you go below this limit, you risk a €30 fine + (with danger) €100 + 1 point.

Rule 4

Visually impaired people: white cane, yellow armband

People with a white long cane (blind) or a yellow armband with three black dots (visually impaired) must be given special protection. Stop, drive slowly and predictably, avoid honking (irritated!).

Rule 5

School bus with hazard warning lights

If a public bus or school bus stops at a stop and switches on the hazard warning lights, the following applies: walking speed (maximum 7 km/h) when passing by. If a bus is departing and has a turn signal on, give way.

Error 1

Zebra crossing approach too fast

In front of zebra crossings you must be prepared to brake (max. 30 km/h is considered safe). If you arrive at 50 and still have to brake, you risk a fine.

Error 2

Overtake cyclists with a distance of only 50 cm

Classic city mistake. Even on narrow roads: it's better to drive behind until there is enough space. 1.5 m is a minimum, not a desired value.

Error 3

Overtaking seniors as 'unimportant'

Older people take longer to cross. Even without a zebra crossing, the following applies: give way if you clearly want to cross.

Error 4

Ignore children on the sidewalk

Children under 8 must cycle on the sidewalk, but are allowed to 'slide' onto the road at any time. Therefore: slow down in residential areas and keep your eyes open.

Question 1

You approach a pedestrian crossing where people are waiting. How do you behave?

AnswerStop and let pedestrians cross.

Pedestrians have priority at the zebra crossing as soon as they clearly want to cross. Overtaking is prohibited beforehand.

Question 2

What is the minimum lateral distance that must be when overtaking a cyclist in urban areas?

Answer1.5 meters.

Outside town: 2 metres. In the case of trucks, buses or cyclists who drive unsafely, more.

Question 3

You see a school bus with its hazard lights on at a stop. What applies?

AnswerWalking speed (max. 7 km/h) when driving past - even in the opposite direction.

If the bus stops with hazard lights on, there is an increased risk of children getting on or off.