The law
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Australian Road Rules a number of offences exist in relation to walking without regard to other road users or without regard to safety.
It is an offence to walk without reasonable consideration for other road users.
Under the Australian Road Rules:
- It is an offence for a pedestrian to cross a road diagonally unless at an intersection where this is allowed.
- A pedestrian must cross a road by the shortest safest route and they can only cross when the pedestrian lights are green.
- A pedestrian must not cross a road within 20 meters of a crossing on the road, except at the crossing or another crossing.
Penalties apply for offences under the Australian Road Rules.