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Please... forgive the dramatic title, "How Ignorance Could Get You Killed...!!!" but I feel that when Life is put in Danger... there is a great urgency to bring this point to the attention of "everyone" who use the roads in this country..!!!
It was surprising for me; to find that most people think that the Highway Code is only for "Drivers" and the main perception seems to be that any other user of the road thinks that it has no place in there lives?
The Highway Code should be read by all of us to understand and build a good relationship and understanding between, Drivers, Pedestrians, Motor Bike Riders, Horse Riders, and Cyclists!
Yesterday; I very nearly ran down a lady on a zebra crossing less than a mile from my own home? I have lived in this area for years, and have good knowledge of all the roads and the surrounding area.
This particular road where the zebra crossing is situated is a road that I use several times a day. The zebra crossing in question is situated about 40 yards after a sharp left-hand-bend.
You are also pre-warned... by a posh new electronic road sign that flashes at you on your approach, if you are travelling to fast... so your speed has to be around 20 miles per hour to negociate the bend safely, and as you exit the bend the crossing comes into view.
My problem was that as I approached the crossing there was no one waiting to cross the road, however there was a lady walking very close to it... as she got level with the crossing she just walked straight out in front of my car... !!!
The worst part of this ... was that she knew exactly what she was doing because she looked right at me at the same time she stepped onto the crossing! Then after stopping my car just before we collided.
She looked at me as if to say... "you could see I was crossing" I was just happy I did not hit her, and reacted in good time! I did not react verbley as it all happened so quickly by the time I had thought about what happened she was off on her merry way walking down the other side of the road.
This got me wondering... was she even aware that the Highway Code concerns her; and her actions while she is a pedestrian and when she is using the road, and yes you right in thinking that I am a driver; and when I get out of my car I then become a pedestrian myself...???
But I am still governed by the rules in the H/Code. Just as the lady on the crossing; if she was to get in her car after crossing the road, she then becomes a driver just like me and is governed by the rules of the H/Code for drivers.
The correct procedure... for crossing the road at a Zebra crossing, {Not Controlled by Lights}The Pedestrian should; Stop at the edge of the kerb, and place one foot onto the crossing, this action will inform any passing traffic that they wish to cross the road...
The Pedestrian should not procees to cross the road untill the traffic in both directions has stopped?
This begs the question? Is it a good idea for Pedestrians to understand the rules for Drivers! and is a good idea for Drivers to understand the rules for Pedestrians.
If you have passed your driving test then you should be aware of the rules concerning the rights; wrongs, do's and don'ts of all other road users! as laid out in the H/Code.
Here's the thing... I bet you the last time you read your H/Code book, was the day you took your test...??? "Yes" come on be honest here! If you have read it recently... then respect to you!
Whether you are a Pedestrian... Driver, or Both... we can all; with a little understanding and knowledge, be better and more informed of each others circumstances where road safety is concerned... and Death or Serious Injury are avoidable on both sides with the basic proper knowledge!
This will undoubtedly lead to better relationships between Drivers and Pedestrians, thus helping to reduce accidents and near misses; and the inevitable un-necessary fatalities that are ever present on our roads today!
We can all help to stay safe and preserve life... and if we take the time to understand what is expect of us and each other; while out on our everyday journeys.
It is the responsibility of "All of Us" to ensure the safety of ourselves and other road users at all times...!!!
This I think you will agree is a direct move forward for us all, to cutting down the hurt, pain, suffering and deaths that occur everyday on the roads.
If this post saves just one accident then it will have done it's job! And I will be more than happy that you have read it... So thank you for that.
{Please; do your bit to save a life} You never know... It could be your own?
Michael.
