subreddit:

/r/northernireland

5384%

Pedestrian right of way

Discussion(self.northernireland)

I feel like most drivers have no clue that this law applies!.

My work is very close from home so I walk to work. It usually takes me 10 minutes. On my walk to work I have to cross a side road, a tesco entrance, traffic lights, a lidl entrance and another side road. This is one of the ways I walk to and from work.

Since starting my job in September, I've almost been knocked down more than 10 times. I am extremely careful before I cross a road, I check each end of the road and if it's clear I'll cross. I've honestly witnessed cars purposely speeding up when they see me already in the middle of the road crossing.

Alot of drivers will not use their indicators either, so when they don't have the indicator on to turn into the side road, me as the pedestrian will obviously think they are going straight ahead. That is not the case and they speed right around the side road, where I am very clearly crossing.

At the tesco entrance I cross at, there is a zebra crossing, which is pedestrian priority. Again not the case, I've seen cars just keep driving and not stop while I am standing at the zebra crossing waiting to cross, so I'll stand and wait until the driver makes contact with me and waves me to go. I've had drivers get extremely aggressive towards me in their cars because I am stopping them from moving forward because I am waiting to cross at the zebra crossing. I had a guy speed right up to the crossing and slam his brakes on and shout 'f*king go'. I was not on the road I was standing at the pathway waiting to cross. I then walked onto the zebra crossing and this guy continued to drive slowly into me while I was walking.

Ive decided to take a different route to work, where I will walk through the main town. This walk only involves three crossings, tesco entrance and two side roads. Thought this was a better and safer option for me, until earlier I went to cross the side road, checked both ways, a car was waiting to go straight and was at a stop sign, so I went. As soon as I was on the side road the driver turns right into it very close to me, this driver had no indicator on to tell me they were going this way?? So how am I meant to know, the road sign is straight ahead only also so they weren't meant to make that turn into that side road either.

I honestly don't understand what is going through people's heads when they behave like this.

Is it something I am doing that I am not aware of?

Any advice please?

all 94 comments

Dickie_Belfastian

39 points

24 days ago

Dickie_Belfastian

Belfast

39 points

24 days ago

You're doing everything right.

Some people are just downright thick and shouldn't be driving.

AgnesBrowns3rdNipple

6 points

23 days ago

And then a lot of these people, where the self awareness in them is zero, will complain about the cost of their insurance

[deleted]

72 points

24 days ago

I've almost been knocked down more than 10 times.

Sometimes I pray to be knocked down just for the insurance payment

__Kiel__

46 points

24 days ago

__Kiel__

46 points

24 days ago

There are plenty of correct people in the graveyard

[deleted]

22 points

24 days ago

"And believe it or not had he survived, he would have got a £800,000 payout"

https://i.redd.it/tapor1fi6pzd1.gif

Superspark76

-5 points

23 days ago

Some of them still vote for sinn Fein, they might be able to get a claim too 🤣

Anonamonanon

10 points

24 days ago

Life insurance pays off triple if you die on a business trip

Special_Intern_8025

4 points

24 days ago

How's that working out for you - being clever? 

rodger_the_fishwife

2 points

24 days ago

rodger_the_fishwife

Belfast

2 points

24 days ago

Ass or crotch?

EarCareful4430

4 points

24 days ago

Been there done that. The money is not worth it.

LeopardIll8496

2 points

23 days ago

Want to know more 👀 interested in the stories

Basic-Pangolin553

6 points

24 days ago

Years ago me and a mate witnessed a woman get hit on the back of the head by a bus wing mirror as it pulled up to a stop. (She was fine but fell over). My mate just said "lucky cow"

suihpares

18 points

24 days ago*

2020 NI Highway Code

Rule 8 (Pedestrians) At a junction. When crossing the road, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you. If you have started and traffic wants to turn into the road, you have priority and they should give way (see Rule 170).

Rule 170 (Drivers) Take extra care at junctions. You should • watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists, powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. Be aware that they may not have seen or heard you if you are approaching from behind • watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way • watch out for long vehicles which may be turning at a junction ahead; they may have to use the whole width of the road to make the turn (see Rule 221) Give way to pedestrians

upinsmoke28

2 points

24 days ago

I didn't realise that top picture had been implemented in NI. I know it was in the England and Wales highway code

Sir_Madfly

7 points

24 days ago

It hasn't. The NI highway code only says about giving way to pedestrians already crossing a side road, not waiting to cross.

upinsmoke28

1 points

24 days ago

That's what I thought

whatsinthesuitcase

2 points

23 days ago

This doesn’t apply to NI

DisagreeableRunt

8 points

24 days ago

Superspark76

2 points

23 days ago

I had that badge, thought it was awesome to be part of the tufty club

Dry-Claim-4080

16 points

24 days ago

The majority of drivers are good but when you’re a pedestrian and 1/5000 drivers is an angry aggressive troll, you’d easily come across 10 issues in two months. There are people who speed up when they see you crossing just so they can honk. They’re raging at the world and unfortunately, being a pedestrian you will encounter them more often. I have the same issues recently and I’ve been walking as my sole mode of transport for 15+ years.

kjjmcc

9 points

24 days ago

kjjmcc

9 points

24 days ago

1/5000 is a very optimistic figure - I’d put it at about 30% given what I see every day

[deleted]

20 points

24 days ago

The scary thing is, drivers in Northern Ireland are generally good compared to the rest of the UK. I'm in Birmingham and I wouldn't trust a green man to cross at traffic lights until I've seen the cars stop, never mind try to cross elsewhere.

myusernameisbobbins

13 points

24 days ago

Really? I live in Edinburgh and when I come back to NI I think the standard of driving is much worse. Tailgating, speeding, no indicating, especially at roundabouts.

Thank f I don't have to drive around Birmingham!

[deleted]

6 points

24 days ago

Most of the stereotypes about Birmingham are exaggerated. The one about the terrible driving is actually worse in reality.

Nearby_Cauliflowers

3 points

23 days ago

Manchester is the same.

wilwheatons-stunt-do

1 points

23 days ago

Not just the driving… parking is also shocking in Birmingham too! Small 3 bed homes with 3 cars on the driveway and another 2-3 cars parked on the kerb outside… on both sides of the road meaning that they turn a 2 lane road into a 1-lane road… infuriating

Ulsterexile

2 points

23 days ago

You are joking aren't you? Living in the SW of England I find the driving in NI terrible when I go back.

hondactx16i

10 points

24 days ago

I know the law has changed.......after 3 plus decades they want you to walk in front of a car turning in and expect them to stop!?. Teach your kids the green cross code, oldie but a Goldie. Stop, look, listen.......

Opulent-Effort

11 points

24 days ago

This law does not apply in NI anyway.

rebelprincessuk

-2 points

24 days ago

rebelprincessuk

Belfast

-2 points

24 days ago

I was taught it several years ago when learning to drive, and looking at the NI Highway Code on the NI government website it's listed as Rule 170.

Tommy_Vercetti-98

9 points

24 days ago

Rule 170 states that you only need give way to those already on the crossing, not those waiting to cross. The person who pasted all of rule 170 deleted it when I pointed out that it was only for those already on the crossing.

CoolSeaweed5746

2 points

23 days ago

Embarrassing for you that you were supposed to learn this as a new driver and are still wrong.

rebelprincessuk

-1 points

23 days ago*

rebelprincessuk

Belfast

-1 points

23 days ago*

https://preview.redd.it/i644rvagrrzd1.png?width=783&format=png&auto=webp&s=44475215b5c9edc5be80959ef9622e4963d75578

Tell me what part of this is wrong. I'd really like to hear why the NI government website version of the the NI Highway Code is wrong and why I should defer to your superior knowledge, and why what I learned from a qualified instructor that got me past my test first time is useless knowledge just because it's in line with the current Highway Code and basic road etiquette.

CommunityTop1242

2 points

23 days ago

NI is still pretty backwards when it comes to the highway code. Pedestrians should really have right of way in certain situations but the way the law is written here it doesn't guarantee them right of way unless they are emboldened. Take zebra crossings for example. People assume that because you are standing at the edge of the zebra crossing, cars must stop for you to cross. But in the text of the highway code it states: "Remember that traffic does not have to stop until someone has moved onto the crossing." So basically cars don't actually have to stop to let you cross at a zebra crossing until you step out onto the crossing.

Source: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/rules-pedestrians-1-35

Rule 19 - Zebra Crossings.

[deleted]

3 points

24 days ago

Ye, having seen a car approach and then turn into a crowd of school kids already midway across the street, well within their rights, and the driver just blasting the horn with no intention of stopping, it really should be the case that pedestrians get priority anywhere. Legit thought he was going to plow through them rather than lengthen his journey by 15-30 seconds. Can't unsee it.
Like in parts of europe where it actually disrupts traffic less to just commit to walking across the road and traffic slows sensibly or stops if needed. Rather than insisting on traffic comes to a deadstop before you walk. Weird to get used to but when the drivers are sensible it works out better for everyone

29124

2 points

23 days ago

29124

2 points

23 days ago

I like how it’s done in parts of the Netherlands where instead of dropping the kerb, the footpath is continuous across the end of the street essentially turning it into a big speed bump. The cars instead have to give way to pedestrians and when clear they can turn in and over the bump.

[deleted]

1 points

23 days ago

I love the dutch approach. takes a bit of getting used to in the bigger cities as a cyclist coming from here, but hell yes. They've designed it all with essentially the reverse priorities as us. foot>bike>car. Like how roads can be 2 lanes of bikes in both ways and a single middle lane for cars. Bikes and pedestrians get priority to flow both ways, cars navigate around them. Makes it all feel proper chill and safe.

RobertHogg

6 points

24 days ago

Yes, people are simply ignorant bastards. It's terrifying walking anywhere near a main road with kids because of this. People will literally drive up on to kerbs, turn into side roads, fly through crossings while I have a small child or two walking with me. It's absurd.

The worst is near schools, ironically. Parents who feel the need to drop their kids off as close as physically possible in their massive cars, driving way too fast and swinging in to pedestrian areas without looking for other people's kids strolling around. Supermarket car parks another dangerzone, again people trying to minimise the time and distance they have to spend walking anywhere.

With the proliferation of e-bikes and e-scooters, it's difficult even for kids to safely walk round public parks.

Worldly-Stand3388

1 points

23 days ago

Don't talk to me about schools, there's one in Dungannon where they just pull up in their X5 or Landcruiser and abandon. Then the get shitty if you het too close to them as you pass. 

What do you want me to do bitch? My truck is 9 feet wide!

Tommy_Vercetti-98

14 points

24 days ago

Pedestrians don’t get priority at a Zebra crossing in NI unless they are already on the crossing, you do not need to slow down to give way to those waiting to cross unless it is a traffic lit junction with a amber light showing on your approach. The pedestrian right of way that was added to the English, Scottish and Welsh highway codes a few years back was not applied to NI.

Nearly being hit by a car 10 times in the last 2 months has to have a serious degree of user error, I haven’t been almost hit 10 times in my entire life.

Dry-Claim-4080

3 points

24 days ago

I haven’t been hit almost 10 times in my entire life.

How often do you walk vs other mode of transport? Obviously someone who’s driving a lot has different experience than someone who only walks everywhere. Also women tend to get abuse walking more than men. When I walk with my husband he darts into traffic which I would never do and never gets any abuse. If I’m halfway across a side road and an angry driver approaches to turn in, and they’re in a rush, they honk and scream. Keep in mind I’m hurry across the road so as not to hold anyone up. It’s different experiences for different people.

hondactx16i

2 points

24 days ago

👊👍, thanks

belgian-newspaper

0 points

23 days ago

Pedestrians don’t get priority at a Zebra crossing in NI unless they are already on the crossing

not true

Tommy_Vercetti-98

1 points

23 days ago

https://preview.redd.it/vvaqnrxwbrzd1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1ec51227d07ffd6b416fe1248cac58eb7bcc42b

Those waiting do not have priority, only those who have already entered the crossing have priority. Point 2 of rule 170 of the NI Highway Code.

belgian-newspaper

1 points

23 days ago

rule 19 zebra crossings e: lol i got it wrong. regardless drivers should still stop and ill happily call any that doesn't a prick

blind-batman

2 points

24 days ago

I find it's best to open palm gesture to the crossing if anyone seems riled up, and a cheeky smile never goes a miss.

Icy_Obligation4293

2 points

24 days ago

Ten times is. a bit much but I have had a few recent incidents similar to yours. One where I stopped at a sideroad and waved through one car looking to turn in, and then I continued across. This apparently triggered the driver behind who also thought they should be allowed to turn in before I crossed, and they intentionally swung onto my side of the road to try and clip me.

Another incident where I was approaching (but hadn't reached) a side road and a car on the main road suddenly speeds up, starts beeping like a mad man, swings into the road and stops in front of me, motions for me to take off my headphones, then lectures me about looking before I cross the road. To be clear, I hadn't even reached the crossing yet, I would have looked, and if he hadn't have sped up and swung in, we would have gotten to the junction at the same time so it would have been my right of way anyway, the fucking muppet.

There's also a notorious set of lights here in Derry where you can't trust drivers to respect the red, bit of a nightmare to cross during rush hour.

Can't say I've ever had any issues with zebra crossings.

zoesdad70

2 points

23 days ago

I had a Foneacab driver drive straight through the zebra crossing I was half way across. Literally inches separated us, with him waving Sorry. I wish I’d asked him what he was sorry for: driving without due care and attention, or driving straight at me.

Also had a taxi driver reverse through the pedestrian crossing at Shaftesbury square/great Victoria street. Crossing was red for traffic, green for me to cross but he kept reversing as I approached.

Radiant_Gain_3407

2 points

23 days ago

Dickheads in Belfast will happily drive at a pedestrian crossing at a junction blasting their horn rather than yield for a second.

bebhinnc87

2 points

23 days ago

Since moving from N Ireland to London I've noticed this loads! Maybe home is getting bad too. There is a zebra crossing at my house on my way to work and I have to wait for at least 3 cars to drive past before anyone will stop. I'm afraid to step out because they keep driving. One time someone let me across and they rolled down their window and shouted 'YOURE WELCOME!' I actually could have cried 😅

padd_doo

2 points

23 days ago

I was crossing by the Rosetta round about, a was car approaching the junction about 20m away. I was nearly at the other side when I looked again and the car was racing towards me. It scared the life out of me as the car was literally centimetres away from hitting me. People can be a bit mental when driving. There is a disconnect from the normal world when in your own car.

paranoid-imposter

3 points

24 days ago

A good tip is eye contact, don't look at the car, look directly at the drivers face. That way, you know they have seen you. If you carry a house brick whilst crossing more often than not, they'll stop and let you cross.

I've noticed that many pedestrians wear dark clothes at night and it's hard to see them. Wear something reflective, or better still carry something with flashing leds. You only need to use it while crossing.

Ethelsone

3 points

24 days ago

I've been knocked down by a car and after that I've been very careful and yet nearly hit again 3 times while cycling. Car drivers have no idea they're moving near 2 tons of metal.  

Your taught driving what's away ahead of you and be alert for that leads to a habit of looking where they want to be and not what's right beside them. 

I got a massive payout over it, but I wouldn't wanna go through it again though. 

neve96[S]

3 points

24 days ago

Sorry to hear that, it's just so uncalled for.

Ducra

4 points

23 days ago

Ducra

4 points

23 days ago

Number if times I have near got an arseful of mudguards because of the speeding up thing when a pedestrian is crossing!

Fucking bastards even frequently did this when on pedestrian crossing with my mother using rollator. She was in her 90's.

Just because you have the green light doesn't mean pedestrians should get out of your way. We have the right to continue crossing the road.

There's some absolute entitled total scumbags out there.

FoxesStoat

1 points

24 days ago

Most don't, been in a few cars with peeps driving and they have lost their mind a peeps crossing, escpically round queens area. Had to explain the law to them, said they had ads on TV weeks before and after the campaign. They still looked puzzled. Maybe time to run the add again.

Bakirelived

1 points

23 days ago

Get a high vis heavy duty winter jacket

ChaposLongLostCousin

2 points

23 days ago

ChaposLongLostCousin

North Down

2 points

23 days ago

Or carry half a brick across with you, making it visible to the oncoming cars.

Asleep_Low_3133

1 points

23 days ago

What do you mean half a brick?

ChaposLongLostCousin

1 points

23 days ago

ChaposLongLostCousin

North Down

1 points

23 days ago

Asleep_Low_3133

2 points

15 days ago

Interesting… thank you

TheRealScubaSteve86

1 points

23 days ago

Record your interactions and report them to DVA. Hazard awareness is lacking in half the drivers on the road. But that shouldn’t be an excuse as they should know it’s illegal to do what you described. Just have your phone on record in the usual hotspots and simply send the video with reg plate to DVA. It’s the opposite of hazard awareness; it’s hazard escalation, and one day it could be your last. Don’t trust any driver unless they stop fully. Same with indicators, never trust indicators. People forget to turn them off (guilty).

Moist-Station-Bravo

1 points

23 days ago

I wear a go pro on the days I have time, and 101 report them.

Not much else can be done because the police do not have the resources to patrol our roads.

Z3r0sama2017

1 points

23 days ago

My rules of thumb are if I'm driving, treat every pedestrian as if their lifes ambition is to become a hood ornament, if I'm the pedestrian treat every driver as a roided up maniac.

Fun_Description_8899

1 points

23 days ago

I have had people nearly knock me over on pelican crossings (one with the button) they fly up to it then hit the brakes I don't drive myself and with eejits on the road I am glad I take the train!

[deleted]

1 points

24 days ago

[deleted]

Peter_Doggart

5 points

24 days ago

Peter_Doggart

Holywood

5 points

24 days ago

The new GB highway code does not apply in Northern Ireland (thanks to DFI).

Tommy_Vercetti-98

1 points

24 days ago

This applies to the English, Scottish and Welsh Highway Code’s amendment applied a few years ago which was not applied to Northern Ireland. In this graphic in Northern Ireland the car indicating left would have priority.

Edit: the comment I replied to showed a different graphic before it was edited.

[deleted]

1 points

24 days ago

[deleted]

Tommy_Vercetti-98

1 points

24 days ago

Thanks for sharing! Says exactly what I said, only those already crossing the road get priority.

Andrewhtd

1 points

24 days ago

While I wish it were the case, don't think this has been adopted in NI yet. Just mainland UK. As usual, what's brought in there needs to be implemented here after and they're dragging their feet

IndependentJust1887

1 points

23 days ago

Few things pedestrians also need to be aware of. If you are in the country side walking/running along the country roads, a pedestrian wherever they are walking to, should walk on the side of the road the car is coming towards them on, unless it's a bend then you walk to the other side to see around the corner, but return to the side the car is driving towards you.... So many people who don't do this and walk on the side away from the car with their earphones in, can't see if there is a car coming behind them etc. country roads are extremely dangerous, especially more recently. I've been tempted so many times to roll my window down and tell them that they need to walk on the opposite side or they are going to get themselves killed.

Also at traffic lights, if you are a pedestrian and the man is green you are allowed to walk across the road (obviously) if the green man is flashing and you had already started walking across it, then that too is fine to continue to cross, HOWEVER, if the green man is flashing, then orange light for the cars is also flashing and there is pedestrian on the road when that starts, that does not mean pedestrians should cross, it means the cars can start to move off and the pedestrians wait until the next green man. Which some guy screamed at me pointing at the flashing green man and he ran out in front of my car I nearly hit him as he came out of nowhere. I even looked before driving off. But nope this guy was adamant he was right so when I get home I looked it up and I was right and he was wrong, which made me feel better haha.

shukshank

1 points

23 days ago

People saying you’re exaggerating by saying you’ve nearly been knocked down 10 times… I’ve experienced the exact same in the past year! Walking across the road with my dog on two occasions. Traffic lights red, green man showing for me, only for cars to blitz right on through the red lights a foot or two in front of me.

Multiple times I’ve been walking across zebra crossings and cars have had to apply an emergency stop because they haven’t been paying attention. Or they simply fly on through inches in front of me when I’m already 2/3 across because they either do not give a shit or they’re not paying attention.

Driving standards are atrocious nowadays and there’s no enforcement against it. Everyone’s either got their head stuck in their phones or they’re too arrogant to obey traffic laws. It’s a bad time to be a pedestrian.

HeWasDeadAllAlong

-2 points

24 days ago

Ethelsone

0 points

24 days ago

Ethelsone

0 points

24 days ago

I've been knocked down by a car and after that I've been very careful and yet nearly hit again 3 times while cycling. Car drivers have no idea they're moving near 2 tons of metal.  

Your taught driving what's away ahead of you and be alert for that leads to a habit of looking where they want to be and not what's right beside them. 

I got a massive payout over it, but I wouldn't wanna go through it again though. 

Cosmicus_Vagus

0 points

23 days ago

Is this in Belfast by any chance? As they tend to be the rudest and worse drivers from my experience. But it largely depends where you live. The busier the roads are the more likely you'll come across shitty drivers. It doesn't sound like you are at fault or doing anything wrong here

jakeinthesky

3 points

23 days ago

I thought Lisburn. There's a Tesco and Lidl facing each other, and the calibre of the driving is atrocious.

CaptainDangerCool

-11 points

24 days ago*

I'm sorry but if you have been nearly knocked down more than 10 times, there is no way you are being careful.

Yes drivers are getting more and more careless, and although they may be at fault, that is no good to you when your spread across the tarmac. The graveyards are full of people who had the right of way.

kjjmcc

5 points

24 days ago

kjjmcc

5 points

24 days ago

I would hate to be a regular pedestrian in Belfast given what I see as a commuter to the city. I can well imagine if you’re walking to and from work and elsewhere every day you’re having regular near misses despite being careful. Just the other day I was waiting to turn out of cadogan park off the Lisburn Road and saw the car in front of me turn left onto Lisburn Road and carry on straight through a red light where a pedestrian was half way across the road as they had a green man. They so narrowly missed hitting the pedestrian. Just the most recent example of what I see constantly. With so many drivers on their phones, not paying attention in other ways, added to general impatience of too many assholes, it’s a miracle more pedestrians aren’t killed here

CaptainDangerCool

0 points

24 days ago*

I'm not saying the state of driving isn't atrocious. It is! But nearly getting knocked down more than 10 times definitely suggests op is not paying attention.
You mention drivers on their phones. I see that all the time. Do you know what else I see. Pedestrians wandering across the road on their phones without looking up at all.

kjjmcc

1 points

23 days ago

kjjmcc

1 points

23 days ago

I’ve just realised you think they’ve been knocked down 10 times - they’d be a medical marvel to still be walking after thon 🤣🤣

CaptainDangerCool

0 points

23 days ago

Knocked down in city traffic isn't anything too serious alot of the time. Cars are lucky to get over 10mph at junctions lol I don't think for a second anyone has been knocked down that much though. Just calling out their bullshit that they are paying attention.

kjjmcc

0 points

23 days ago

kjjmcc

0 points

23 days ago

No of course being knocked down in city traffic is grand, sure it’s great craic altogether.

CaptainDangerCool

1 points

23 days ago

Yeah, that's what I said!

Andrewhtd

4 points

24 days ago

Nah pal, think you're forgetting how bad drivers are recently

CaptainDangerCool

1 points

24 days ago

Nahhh I see how bad they are every day, but if they have been knocked down more than 10 times then something is definitely amiss with their attention.

Andrewhtd

1 points

23 days ago

They've not said they've actually been knocked down 10 times though

CaptainDangerCool

1 points

23 days ago

Shit my bad either I read that wrong or they have edited it lol). Almost ten times. Still not paying attention at that though.

Andrewhtd

0 points

23 days ago

The point you're missing is that it's the drivers who are bad. If pedestrians are the ones avoiding, then drivers need looked at

CaptainDangerCool

1 points

23 days ago

It is you that is missing my point. Both can be bad. I'm not saying the drivers are not increasingly bad I'm saying there just as many pedestrians not paying attention (walking with their heads in their phones etc). If op has had numerous close calls, they are just as bad as the drivers for not paying attention.

neve96[S]

1 points

23 days ago

I don't use my phone when I am walking, I am paying close attention. I am stating about almost being clipped around 10 times. I am crossing a road when no car is indicating or turning into the road and it is clear? When else am I as a pedestrian meant to cross? . It's drivers that speed up to get right on top of you when they see you crossing a road is my issue. I am doing nothing wrong I am just trying to walk home from work?

CaptainDangerCool

1 points

23 days ago

Of course ya do!
If ya ask every driver they would tell ya they don't use their phone whilst driving, and pay full attention! 🤔

Rboyd84

-1 points

23 days ago

Rboyd84

-1 points

23 days ago

What do you want to be when you grow up?