SOME drivers may think they're being helpful when waving a pedestrian across the road.
However, this is not always the case - you could be beckoning those crossing the road towards danger.
Why should you never wave pedestrians across the road?
According to rule 195 of the Highway Code, drivers should never wave or assist pedestrians across the road.
The code clearly states: ''do not wave, flash your lights or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching.''
Drivers should already know why this rule is in place, as it crops up during your theory test.
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However, for those that may not know - the answer is you could be signalling an individual towards serious danger.
This is because a fellow driver on the road may not have seen your signal, and may not be able to stop safely.
It should be left to the pedestrians to decide for themselves when it is safe to cross.
The safest way to continue with your journey is to always use your nearest crossing.
Which type of crossing allows cyclists to ride across with pedestrians?
There is a type of crossing that allows cyclists to safely ride across with pedestrians - and there's an easy way to remember it.
A toucan crossing - ''two can'' - is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists to use at the same time and are typically used adjacent to a cycle-path.
They are similar to Pelican and Puffin crossings and can be identified by a cycle symbol shown on the yellow box where you request to cross.
What are the 5 types of pedestrian crossing?
In the UK, there are five different types of pedestrian crossing - providing those wanting to cross the road with a safe way to do so.
Here's a look at each of the five pedestrian crossings and how they operate.
Zebra crossing
A zebra crossing features a series of black and white stripes painted across a road.
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Sometimes, these crossings are raised to be level with the pavement.
This type of crossing also has round, amber-coloured lights at either side, mounted on black and white-striped poles.
A zebra crossing is the only crossing where the pedestrian automatically has the right of way once they have stepped out.
The Highway Code advises that pedestrians allow traffic plenty of time to see them before starting to cross and to keep looking while walking - just in case a vehicle attempts to overtake a stationary vehicle.
Pelican crossing
At a pelican crossing, drivers will be faced with a standard set of traffic lights that switch between red, amber and green.
Pedestrians are presented with a black and yellow box with the word “WAIT” on it, which is next to the traffic light pole.
Those who wish to cross the road must press a button on a black and yellow box.
The "WAIT" sign illuminates on the box when the button is pushed, and goes out once the traffic lights change.
A green man sign on the opposite side of the road confirms it is safe for pedestrians to cross.
Puffin crossing
Puffin crossings might look similar and work in a similar way to pelican crossings, but there are some key differences to be aware of.
The design is distinct from the older pelican crossing in that the lights signalling to the pedestrians are on the same side of the road as the pedestrian, rather than across the road.
This allows the pedestrian to monitor passing traffic while waiting for the signal to cross.
They have two sensors on top of the traffic lights (PCD – pedestrian crossing detector, and PKD – pedestrian kerb detector).
These sensors detect if pedestrians are crossing slowly and can hold the red traffic light longer if needed.
If a pedestrian presses the button but then walks off, the PKD will cancel the request making the lights more efficient.
Once the green man illuminates, it’s safe for pedestrians to cross - the traffic lights will stay red for vehicles until the kerbside sensors detect pedestrians have safely crossed.
Toucan crossing
A toucan crossing works in a similar way to a puffin crossing, using sensors to detect when there are people waiting to cross or already crossing the road.
The key difference is a toucan crossing means “two can” cross.
As mentioned above, both pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to use the crossing to get from one side of the road to the other.
A toucan crossing features an additional green signal for cyclists alongside the pedestrian one, although the two are synchronised with each one another.
Pegasus crossing
Similar to how a toucan crossing allows cyclists to cross alongside pedestrians, a pegasus crossing lets equestrians ride their horses across the road next to people on foot.
This type of crossing also uses sensors to detect when there are people waiting to cross or already crossing the road.
They also feature an additional green signal for equestrians and have an extra set of buttons higher up, so they can be reached by people riding on a horse.
Why are crossings named after birds?
Naming crossings after birds derived from an abbreviation of a pedestrian light controlled called PELICON - PEdestrian LIght CONtrolled.
That term quickly transformed into Pelican and then the other names followed.