GraphicsMan
Well-Known Forumite
What if you're blind, deaf, have a mobility problem, or other disability?
A pedestrian is a pedestrian no matter what limitations. I'm not saying people should not be able to cross the road where they want to, but they should take extra care for everyone's safety. Obviously, as a driver, if you can see a pedestrian already crossing the road someway ahead of you it makes sense to slow down, or stop if need be, to let them continue crossing safely.
On the other hand, if drivers are crossing pavements or any other pedestrian walkway, pulling in to a drive for example, the onus is on the driver to wait until any pedestrians have passed.
Much of the road network pre-dates the motor car.....
I purposely stated vehicles, not motor cars. I'm sure many pedestrians were injured by horses and carriages before motor vehicles came along. Also cyclists use the roads and are not as visible or make as much noise as cars.
Indeed you would, which is why drivers also need to take extra care because of the harm that a vehicle can inflict.
I agree drivers should take extra care through areas with lots of pedestrians and they can take as much care as possible, but if a pedestrian steps out in front of them without looking properly they have little chance of stopping.
As I've also said, I don't think that signalised crossings are automatically the answer. A lot could be replaced by zebra crossings which can be better for both pedestrians (you get to cross quicker) and drivers (you're stopped for less time).
Here we are in agreement. Pedestrians press the buttons at a crossing and, if the traffic clears, they will more than likely cross before the lights change. Drivers are then sitting at a red light and there's nobody there. This can frustrate may. Of course there is more onus in drivers at zebra crossings.