Pedestrian bad habits that could land you a €500 fine

A two-and-a-half-year-old toddler who was injured after being run over on Friday, June 13 in Marbella has been discharged from the Costa del Sol Hospital. According to reports, the child’s mother – who was also run over – is still hospitalised, but recovering.

On Friday, June 13th, the accident occurred on Alfonso de Hohenlohe Boulevard. At 1.20pm, seconds later, at 112, the coordination room received a call from an emergency number requesting help. It was reported that a 41-year-old woman and her two and a half year old child had been run over. The local police and 061 teams responded to the incident, and treated the woman and her child before transporting them to hospital.

Dashcam images shared on the Marbella se Queja page showed that the car failed to stop in time, and the stroller of the baby was thrown into the path of another vehicle. It could have been a very serious situation.

The mother is still in the hospital, but her baby has been released. The video suggested that she had rushed to the crossing without stopping, pushing her baby in a pushchair directly in front the approaching vehicle. In Spain, many people are not aware that pedestrians have their own rules, which they do not adhere to on a daily bases. In addition to putting other road users at risk, non-compliance can result in heavy fines.

The fines for pedestrians whose bad habits are on the road

In recent years the Direction General de Traffic, (DGT), has observed an increase of reckless pedestrian behavior that puts both pedestrians and motorists at risk. Walking on roads with no pedestrian pavements or using a mobile phone while crossing the road are among the most dangerous of behaviours. Although these actions may seem harmless, they can cause serious accidents.

The General Traffic Regulations (established by Royal Decree 1402/2003) include fines for pedestrians that vary according to the offense committed. Refusal to undergo alcohol or drug tests, for example, after being involved in a traffic accident can result in a fine of up to €500. Imagine, for instance, that a person who is drunk staggers onto the road and causes a car to swerve, bumping into a parked vehicle. When the police arrive, they’ll insist that the pedestrian be breathalysed too.

As well, crossing at inappropriate places, such as on a bend, or without using an authorised pedestrian crossing when one is available can result in a fine of €80. In the case of ignoring red lights on pedestrian crossings, or the indications of a police officer, the penalty rises to €200. It is also forbidden to walk on motorways or A roads in non-urban areas, an action that can be punished with a fine of €80. The fines listed here are those levied by the DGT. Depending on the municipality, fines can vary greatly.

Pedestrian crossing fines – stop before you walk

While pedestrians are given priority at pedestrian crossings or “zebra crossings”, the responsibility does not end there. The law states that pedestrians should always check to see if the cars have stopped before they cross the road. This is where the mother with her pushchair failed. They must also make sure to cross perpendicularly to the axis and not diagonally. The use of a phone or any other electronic device is prohibited when crossing the road. A fine similar to that received by drivers who used a cellphone while driving can be imposed on the pedestrian.

The child was not seriously hurt, but like so many other accidents, this one probably occurred because the driver and mother failed to take proper care.

The DGT has issued a set of guidelines to ensure the safety of road users. The importance of pedestrian crossings is also stressed, as well as the need to avoid distractions like using mobile phones while crossing the street. This regulation, which is based on the Royal Decree No. 1428/2003 from November 21, aims to reduce accidents involving pedestrians and promote safer mobility. Compliance with these rules will not only help you avoid fines, but it will also improve road safety.

Some people may find the video disturbing.