Priority Driving Rules Belgium.. Ignoring Zebra Crossings & Speed Limits Explained

Priority Driving Rules Belgium: Zebra Crossings and Speed Limits Explained

Nine-year-old Jidel tragically dies after being hit by a police van on a zebra crossing in Antwerp, sparking urgent investigation and public grief.

Marie Dupont4 hours agoLast Update : 4 hours ago

Voorrang aan zebrapad mogen ze negeren, zo snel mogelijk rijden mag niet: dit zegt de wegcode over ‘prioritair rijden’ - Het Nieuwsblad

www.nieuwsblad.be

Road safety remains a critical concern in Belgium, especially regarding the rules around prioritair rijden and pedestrian crossings. Recent tragic events, including the death of 9-year-old Jidel on 2025-06-18 22:25:00, have brought renewed attention to these issues. Understanding the road code’s stance on priority driving can help prevent such heartbreaking accidents.

6 Key Takeaways

Wegcode verbiedt snel rijden bij prioritair rijden
Jidel (9) overlijdt op zebrapad na aanrijding
Politiecombi betrokken bij dodelijk ongeval Antwerpen
Parket start onderzoek naar aanrijding Jidel
Honderden mensen nemen afscheid van Jidel
Zebrapadvoorrang wordt in sommige gevallen genegeerd

Despite common misconceptions, the Belgian road code clearly states that drivers must stop for pedestrians at zebrapads, even when prioritair rijden. The tragic collision involving Jidel, who was struck by a police combi just 150 metres from his home, highlights the urgent need for awareness and stricter adherence to these regulations. How can drivers better balance urgency with safety on our roads?

As investigations continue, the community mourns while demanding clarity and improved enforcement. What lessons can Belgium draw from this tragedy to protect its youngest and most vulnerable road users? The following Fast Answer explains the key takeaways for local drivers and pedestrians.

Fast Answer: Belgian road code prohibits ignoring pedestrian priority at zebrapads, even during prioritair rijden; recent fatal accident in Antwerp underscores urgent need for driver caution near schools and residential areas.

Why is this happening despite clear laws? The incident raises important questions about emergency driving protocols and public safety:

Drivers must never speed or ignore zebrapad priority, even when responding urgently.
Police and emergency vehicles face scrutiny to ensure compliance with traffic rules.
Communities near schools require enhanced safety measures and awareness campaigns.
Ongoing investigations aim to clarify responsibilities and prevent future tragedies.

This tragedy has deeply impacted Belgian families and authorities, emphasizing the critical need for stricter enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws nationwide.

Moving forward, Belgium must strengthen education on road safety and review emergency driving practices to protect its citizens. Will these changes prevent future losses, or will more lives be at risk? The time for action is now.