Cars turning left onto side roads

[Wellthatsit]

Do people know that the Highway code is to give way to pedestrians crossing a side road? If it's ambiguous/fine line as to whether a pedestrian has started to cross, or they've stepped out but then hesitate when they see you driving towards them, do you drive on or do you give way?

Consciously I know it, subconsciously I don't, IYSWIM. When I'm actually driving as often as not I'll turn when I really ought to have stopped.

But I'm not going to drive at someone who's already crossing the road!

There do seem to be a lot of people who use "It was my right of way" as an excuse for having an avoidable crash.

This reminds me of my driving test 35 years ago! The instructor asked me a question about when should the driver give way to pedestrians. I thought about it and answered accurately according to the Highway Code.

He said no, absolutely not, you ALWAYS give way to pedestrians as you are in a car. Full stop!

I always remember his response and he passed me.

Rule 170 of the Highway Code advises that if a pedestrian has already started to cross the side road into which you're turning from a main road, you must give way to them.

This doesn't say give way to pedestrians waiting to cross.
Also who wouldn't stop if a pedestrian has started crossing?

Lots of twats will still drive slowly towards you as you attempt to cross though

As a pedestrian - I would always wait until the road was clear and no traffic indicating a desire to turn. That’s what I was taught as part of the green cross code.
Odd I have a desire to live.

Survival is my aim too.

It amazes me how some people seem to think priority makes them immune to injury. If you're a more vulnerable road user it doesn't matter if the law is on your side or a driver is being a complete arsehole, I doubt being right feels great when you're under a car with two broken legs. I use roads as a pedestrian, cyclist and driver with that in mind.