Ülekäiguradadel

Ülekäiguradadel is the Estonian term for pedestrian crossings on roads where pedestrians may cross and vehicles must yield. The word is the plural locative form of ülekäigurada, meaning a designated place for pedestrians to cross a street. In everyday use, the phrase appears in traffic regulations, signage, and public discourse to refer collectively to crosswalks across a road network in Estonia.

Crossings are typically marked on the pavement with white stripes that span the width of the road. In urban areas there are both non-signalized crossings, which rely on drivers' courtesy and local traffic speed, and signalized crossings, where pedestrian lights determine when crossing is allowed. Some crossings include tactile paving for visually impaired pedestrians and audible signals.

Right of way: At non-signalized ülekäiguradadel, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are on the crossing or who are about to enter it. Turning vehicles must also yield to pedestrians. At signalized crossings, pedestrians must follow the traffic lights, and vehicles may only cross when the signal allows.

Safety and accessibility: Pedestrians should look both ways before stepping onto a crosswalk, make eye contact with drivers when possible, and avoid crossing between parked vehicles or at street corners where visibility is limited. Reflective clothing or lights improves visibility in low light. Drivers should reduce speed near crossings, be prepared to stop, and avoid stopping on the crosswalk itself.

In Estonia, ülekäiguradadel are an integral part of the road network and are governed by national traffic rules designed to balance pedestrian safety with vehicle flow.

See also: Pedestrian crossing, road safety, Estonia.