To remind people about Highway Code rule H2?

[auserna]

Because about 90% of drivers seem either to be unaware of it or just ignore it and, as a pedestrian, it's fucking irritating! I particularly object to being beeped at when I've already started crossing and a car subsequently swings round the corner.

"Rule H2 of the UK Highway Code mandates that drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders, and cyclists must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which they are turning. This rule, introduced to enhance pedestrian safety at junctions, applies to both major and minor road turns."

I'd be interested to know who wasn't already aware of this.

I've known about it for ages but you have to remember that a fair percentage of drivers ignore most of the Highway Code, not just that rule.

YANBU!

I have to wind down the window and say “your right of way” as most pedestrians seem to know

When this came in I made a very conscious effort to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross (obviously I already give way to those already crossing as I am not in the habit of running people over). The trouble was, pedestrians either didn’t know about the change or didn’t trust it, so then I’d be sat there waiting and holding up traffic, whilst the pedestrian waited for me to turn. So I must admit I don’t try so hard to anymore. And as a pedestrian, I completely ignore it and give way to cars.

Same - I have sat at a junction frantically signalling to a pedestrian to cross many a time!

It is such an unsafe addition to the Highway code, I think most drivers - and hopefully ALL pedestrians - choose to follow common sense instead.

I am aware. But that’s doesn’t stop you from being responsible to look before you cross.

In your case if you are already crossing then fine, but tbh it’s still an accident waiting to happen

If it’s safe then I’ll stop. In a lot of cases, particularly if you’re pulling in to a side road off a busy road it just isn’t safe or practical to do so.

It isn't a new addition. The rule has always been that the strong give way to the weak so to speak. The only change was that the wording was clarified to make it clearer.

I agree that it doesn't seem to have worked, either because pedestrians don't know, don't trust it (don't blame them), or trust it too much by leaping out regardless.

As a pedestrian I am always cautious as it seems a bit Brittas to do anything less, and may well end up with the phrase "I had right of way" engraved on my tombstone.

Why would it not be safe to stop?

It’s cyclists who are the worst. They don’t stop for anyone. They don’t even stop for red lights. Dangerous most of them (yes yes not All)

Surely "the worst" are whoever kills/injures the most people, no?

I had someone today who walked as slowly as he possibly could across the mouth of the side road I wanted to turn into

I had to stop - and so did the car behind me. And the car behind them. That's how driving works.

It's not really a new rule - when I passed my test at 18 my mum told me that the end of a side road is to be treated as an extension of the pavement.

Why are they the worst? It's drivers who kill and injure thousands of people every year. Cyclists will generally only hurt themselves.

Actually I am more worried about people on mobility scooters who have no idea how to drive/ride them safely.

No it isn't unsafe. Why should pedestrians have to stop when drivers are crossing THEIR path, not the other way round?

Drivers need to remember that they are have a licence. Pedestrians are there by right.

We’re talking about giving way. Cyclists are the worst for never giving way.

Are they? Maybe in London - I think that's because many people in London don't drive, so they have no road sense. But outside London drivers are far worse.

Yes, that's how it works.

We could do with improving the design of the junctions to remind people to give way though. If they had to go over a bump as you entered/exited the side road people do so more slowly. Would be easier for disabled people too, no gradients when parallel with the main road.

I had not idea about it until recently. Many current drivers don't know about it.

I did this going into Aldi the other day. I did think afterwards "shit, I should have let that man cross!" I'll remember next time

It’s not true that cyclists only hurt themselves. They run into people and they cause crashes., which hurt other people. They have no accountability.

Obviously cars are more dangerous by nature of the fact they’re motorised metal boxes.

It’s new and people haven’t got used to it yet. Think how long it took for drink driving and not using seatbelts and letting children roam free all over the back seat to become socially unacceptable, and they were laws not just guidance.

This is why I think that the Theory Test should be repeated periodically. It would ensure people kept up-to-date with changes.

So what do you want people to do, risk an accident so you can cross the road?

I won't be coming round a bend and then stopping dead in the road for another car to slam into the back of me. You'll have to wait.

The amount of twazocks who don't stop when you're in the middle of a zebra crossing is actually quite astounding. There are some really entitled drivers who do not pay attention to their surroundings and are always in a rush.

It really frustrates me. Especially in and around parks and schools where you're more likely to get more vulnerable pedestrians.

It has also been a rule since I first learned to drive, back in the dark ages.