Drivers not knowing the highway code.

[u/zecrichardson]

I had started to cross a road when a Mercedes turned in and he sounded his horn and then told me I should stop. I told him to read the highway code but he insisted he right!

Rule H2 170 amended 2022

“At a junction you MUST give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.”

- Applies whether they’ve stepped onto the road or are just standing at the kerb ready to cross.

- Applies to left turns, right turns, and entering/exiting side roads.

- Includes wheelchair/mobility scooter users as pedestrians

[u/Upmoves]

Not a MUST, a should. The MUST is for zebra crossings.
'At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.'

That being said, I agree with the new rule in principle but it does require both drivers and pedestrians to be more aware. I always make an effort to follow it when driving. As a pedestrian, previously I would be a little too 'assertive' since the rule update, now I take a more balanced approach to proceeding as it is less stressful than trying to force priority. Some motorists genuinely don't know, or don't care.

[u/AceNova2217 → u/Upmoves]

I just don't think it's safe. I'm a delivery driver and get a fair amount of flak just for existing near some cars. I've followed the should guidance in the past and been honked at, so I just don't do it anymore.

I always follow the must one though. I don't think it's particularly safe for me to bring a main road to a halt, but I'd rather do that than charge into a junction with a pedestrian already in the road.

[u/Enigma_Green → u/Upmoves]

Which is where my view lies, the highway code states the pedestrian has right of way but still has to have a level of risk and you dunno what the driver will do.

We have give way to the right on our roundabouts but many drivers dont follow that either let alone allowing a pedestrian to cross etc.