Motorists who treat zebra crossings as mere road markings are breaking the law and risking serious consequences, a legal practitioner has warned.
In a public advisory, Confidence Aribibia stressed that the white stripes painted across the road commonly known as a zebra crossing are backed by enforceable traffic regulations, not mere suggestions to drivers.
According to her, under the National Road Traffic Regulations made pursuant to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) (Establishment) Act, drivers are legally required to slow down and stop for pedestrians who are already on, or about to step onto, a designated crossing.
“It is not optional,” Aribibia stated. “Those white stripes are a command, not decoration.”
Legal Consequences for Drivers
She explained that refusing to stop at a zebra crossing constitutes a traffic offence. Offenders risk being:
Stopped and booked by the FRSC
Issued a traffic offence ticket
Fined
Prosecuted in court in serious cases
Aribibia further noted that where failure to yield results in injury or death, the matter may escalate beyond a routine traffic violation.
“At that point, it may amount to reckless or dangerous driving,” she said, warning that such offences could attract criminal charges and possible imprisonment, not just a fine.
Pedestrians Also Have a Duty of Care
While emphasizing that the law grants pedestrians the right of way at zebra crossings, the lawyer cautioned against reckless behavior.
“The law gives priority, but it does not permit carelessness,” she explained. Pedestrians are expected to ensure the road is reasonably clear before stepping onto a crossing. In situations where someone suddenly dashes into traffic and an accident occurs, liability may be shared.
“A zebra crossing represents right of way for pedestrians not a right to be careless,” Aribibia added.
A Call for Responsibility
She concluded with a reminder that traffic laws exist to protect human life, and violations carry real legal consequences.
“If you are driving and someone is on that crossing, you must stop. Failure to do so is not just bad manners, it is a breach of traffic law,” she said.
Aribibia urged both motorists and pedestrians to respect designated crossings and exercise caution at all times.
“Respect the crossing. Respect human life. Because when accidents happen, excuses don’t stand in court.”
