Opinions on this scenario

facade

Car_54 wrote: »

No one ever has right of way. Read the Highway Code.

Quite correct,

pedestrians that have started to cross a road into which you are turning have priority*, so give way. (rule 170)


You are not supposed to run them over anyway though, even when they haven't got priority

*As in the right to precede others

parking_question_chap

Ok good, so am thinking along the same lines.

Another reason I would walk behind the first car is common courtesy. I didnt mention this in the opening post, but the vehicle was waiting an awfully long time for a gap. Last thing any driver (or those in a queue behind) wants is after waiting forever for an appropriate gap, for a pedestrian to walk straight across rather than going to the effort of a 7 metre detour around the back.

facade

If it was a serious question, it is simple common sense/self preservation.

The average [STRIKE]idiot [/STRIKE]driver will never look the other way, or even in front. but will simply power out into the gap they see appearing from the traffic side whilst looking that way.

Quite often this results in smashing straight into a stationary vehicle, that has pulled up since they last looked the other way. (And is how a lot of running into the back accidents happen at roundabouts)

I've seen a lot of accidents/near misses that simply wouldn't have happened if the driver had actually looked where their car was going

Richard53

I'd walk behind, always. Simple self-preservation. I might walk in front if the driver had acknowledged me and made a specific 'you may cross' gesture, but even then I would be doing it with extreme caution. Standing or moving directly in front of a car, in traffic, with the engine running and most likely in gear and waiting on the clutch, is not a safe place to be.

Le_Kirk

Never walk between two cars (unless they are both parked and empty) - imagine the scenario, front driver starts to move off and then realises there is not room so slams on brakes, driver two, seeing driver one start to move off does the same, pedestrian squashed between the cars!

spadoosh

Le_Kirk wrote: »

Never walk between two cars (unless they are both parked and empty) - imagine the scenario, front driver starts to move off and then realises there is not room so slams on brakes, driver two, seeing driver one start to move off does the same, pedestrian squashed between the cars!

In my experience thats a kin to saying never walk under a plane, imagine the scenario, walk under a plane a bird flys in engine and its just drops on your head.

In all my years i have never once been trapped between two cars. And i must walk between two cars at least once a day. People do tend to see you when your walking right in front of their bonnet.


My thoughts on the OP, they are a pedestrian and [STRIKE]can[/STRIKE] will do what they want. In my opinion the driver has the responsibility to make sure they arent about to run someone over. More often than not people arent trying to get themselves killed but ive noticed everyone can lack judgement and or make mistakes. Thus as much as you want to blame the pedestrian they are just going about their business. Its the drivers presence on the road that is the danger and as such the driver should always ensure the safety of others around them.

Would it be a darwin award if it was a faulty wheelchair or pushchair that managed to roll in the road? Or would it then be the drivers fault?

Always baffles me how people try to apportion blame with cars. How about its always the drivers fault, try harder not to hit people. Your doing something the requires skill, judgement and training but think its ok to distract yourself from the monotony of driving? If youve had training to do something and your with people who havent had training to do what they are, assume they will make mistakes or act in a way that doesnt befit your training.


Theres a junction near me where someone parks too close. Essentially means that traffic has to overtake parked car but the people coming out of the junction rarely look left to see if the road is clear before they proceed. Often ends up with cars facing each other slamming on. Just look before you set off.

AdrianC

spadoosh wrote: »

In all my years i have never once been trapped between two cars. And i must walk between two cars at least once a day. People do tend to see you when your walking right in front of their bonnet.

"tend to" is one thing. Actually doing is another entirely.

How many times have there been nose-to-tails in the circumstances described? Hell, I did it several times when I first had my licence, before I learned how to drive properly.

I've also been crossing the road in front of a car waiting at a junction who's clearly not been looking, and has suddenly moved off - I was lucky, and just did a little leapy-jumpy dance, slapping his bonnet causing him to stop - but it could have been a LOT worse. He had the temerity to have a go at me, too...

JP08

I wouldn't walk in front of the first car unless specifically invited to cross.

Would go between first and second car - but would want acknowlegement from second driver before stepping between cars. Apply a similar rule when on the pushbike when filtering through stationary traffic at lights. Don't pass the front car - they are all to often fixated on the red light. The second guy is far more likely to see you ...

Having said that, had the pedestrian been crossing and been hit by the driver pulling off I wouldn't want to be in said driver's shoes - that would be a very expensive place to be ...