Change in the law be careful when turning into a road.

facade

I foresee an awful lot more accidents.

As a pedestrian, I am annoyed when my journey is interrupted by having to try to cross a junction. The kerbs are always dropped so that the intent is you cross right at the give way line, which is the most dangerous place to cross, drivers turning out are looking at the road to screech out under the wheels of oncoming traffic with the traction control light on, similarly, drivers trying to turn in are too busy watching for cars to turn quickly across the front of (often failing to see motorcycles with headlights on)  to notice a pedestrian about to step off the kerb- quite often they don't notice the car coming towards them inside the junction on "their" side that is overtaking the badly parked cars at the junction and ram it head-on.

Just imagine what will happen when pedestrians (and cyclists on the pavement cycle path) feel empowered to continue across junctions expecting cars to give way

Plus the increase in rear-ending as the odd car turning left into a junction actually stops on the main road, rather than sweep in on two wheels

born_again

facade said:

I foresee an awful lot more accidents.

Just imagine what will happen when pedestrians (and cyclists on the pavement cycle path) feel empowered to continue across junctions expecting cars to give way

Plus the increase in rear-ending as the odd car turning left into a junction actually stops on the main road, rather than sweep in on two wheels

As ever as you are the most vulnerable, never rely on others to keep you safe.

Lets face it. Odds on only the stupid will try it 🤦‍♂️or a cyclist that has a camera so they can post to u-tube 😂

Norman_Castle

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-the-highway-code-to-improve-road-safety-for-cyclists-pedestrians-and-horse-riders/outcome/government-response-to-the-review-of-the-highway-code

I'm not sure about having to give way to pedestrians at junctions, I live on a busy main road where residents are often rear ended by following motorists oblivious to the possibility the car ahead might stop. I'm happy to stop where needed and practical but being required to stop in a busy, fast moving traffic lane to avoid a minor wait for a pedestrian seems unnecessary. As a pedestrian I don't mind waiting while a car turns into a junction. I think this will cause confusion and accidents.

To inform motorists of changes they need to be on the back of buses and on billboards. Very few motorists read updated versions of the highway code. As licenses are renewed every 10 years all updates should be included with the renewed license or a copy of the highway code with directions to the updates. Many parts of the highway code make more sense to experienced drivers rather than novices. Rereading it regularly through your driving years would help all road users rather than relying on vaguely remembered detail often read decades previously.

frank1978

All motorists should have a common sense moral obligation to check themselves for updates about motoring news every so often...

Going slightly off topic - I had started to cross a side road the other day (having right of way under the current - soon to be old rule). When a car started to turn in not slowing down when I was in the middle of the road. I was walking slower due to the frost. The driver was completly cluess and no brains !. It's amazing how the majority of car driver's don't realise there steering a few tonnes and even hitting a pedestrian at 10mph can put you on crutches.

Car_54

frank1978 said:

All motorists should have a common sense moral obligation to check themselves for updates about motoring news every so often...

Going slightly off topic - I had started to cross a side road the other day (having right of way under the current - soon to be old rule). When a car started to turn in not slowing down when I was in the middle of the road. I was walking slower due to the frost. The driver was completly cluess and no brains !. It's amazing how the majority of car driver's don't realise there steering a few tonnes and even hitting a pedestrian at 10mph can put you on crutches.

You did not have "right of way": there is no such thing.
If you actually read the Highway Code (old or new) you would know that "The rules in The Highway Code do not give you the right of way in any circumstance, but they advise you when you should give way to others."

Jenni_D

Perhaps the better term is Priority ... regardless of old or new guidance a pedestrian already crossing the road has priority over any vehicle on (or turning in to) the road.

Ditzy_Mitzy

Strangely, the only issue I've ever had with this rule as a pedestrian involved a couple of cyclists.  They clearly thought themselves above having to give way to anybody!  

Norman_Castle

Ditzy_Mitzy said:

Strangely, the only issue I've ever had with this rule as a pedestrian involved a couple of cyclists.  They clearly thought themselves above having to give way to anybody!  

I'm surprised you noticed them. When I'm cycling I've had both pedestrians and motorists look directly at me then either walk or drive into my path.

Ditzy_Mitzy

Norman_Castle said:

Ditzy_Mitzy said:

Strangely, the only issue I've ever had with this rule as a pedestrian involved a couple of cyclists.  They clearly thought themselves above having to give way to anybody!  

I'm surprised you noticed them. When I'm cycling I've had both pedestrians and motorists look directly at me then either walk or drive into my path.

I couldn't fail to notice them, given that I had to jump out of the way.  I also got sworn at, which was nice.  

zagfles

Most of Europe have had this rule for decades. You get a green man to cross the road, turning traffic also has a green light but cars have to give way to crossing pedestrians.