PEDESTRIAN CROSS Meaning and
Definition
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A pedestrian cross refers to a designated section or area in the roadway specifically set aside for pedestrians to safely cross from one side to the other. Also commonly known as a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian cross is typically marked by painted lines on the road or pavement, often coupled with signal lights or signs to guide both pedestrians and motorists. It serves as a means to enhance the safety and convenience of pedestrians, making their movement across busy streets or roadways more secure.
Pedestrian crosses are designed to ensure that pedestrians have the right of way and can easily traverse an area without the risk of vehicular collisions. They are generally found at intersections or strategic points along a road, providing a designated space for pedestrians to cross safely. Pedestrian crosses may vary in design, such as zebra crossings, which feature distinctive white stripes on the road, or pelican crossings, which utilize traffic lights and push-button controls to regulate the flow of both pedestrians and vehicles.
It is important for motorists to exercise caution and yield to pedestrians at pedestrian crosses, as failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. Conversely, pedestrians should also adhere to traffic rules and exercise caution when using pedestrian crosses, ensuring they wait for traffic signals and cross only when it is safe to do so. Overall, pedestrian crosses play a vital role in promoting pedestrian safety and facilitating their movement across busy roadways.
Etymology of PEDESTRIAN CROSS
The etymology of the word "pedestrian cross" is a combination of the respective etymologies of the words "pedestrian" and "cross".
1. "Pedestrian":
The word "pedestrian" comes from the Latin word "pedestris", which means "on foot" or "relating to walking". "Pedestris" is derived from the Latin word "pes", meaning "foot". Over time, it entered the English language and evolved to refer to a person who walks on foot or something related to walking.
2. "Cross":
The word "cross" has its roots in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "krukjo" or "kruzi", meaning "cross". In turn, this originates from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kreus", which signifies "to run" or "to make visible".
