ok - I haven't actually hit a pedestrian...

but, my question is who here feels that pedestrians should be made fair game lol

I know it sounds odd but it really makes me angry that you can be driving down the road and they walk out in front of you and don't give a damn, they know you'll stop because you'll be in trouble if you hit them.
Or, if you're turning a corner, you've had your indicator on for ages and still people walk across the road you're turning into, and you sit there and they saunter past as if you've got all day, or if you beep they give you the dirtiest look ever.

At one point, pedestrians were scared that they would be hit by cars, now they know they won't be.

Like, my sister's school - sorry King Edwards but it's atrocious - the kids will sit on your bonnett while you're trying to move off from being parked. Then they stand in a big group and laugh if you try to get past. It's very different when you drive into them believe me...

If drivers couldn't be done for hitting a pedestrian who wouldn't get out of the way, then they would shift a lot quicker...

I know it's not actually possible because you wouldn't be able to prove it, but it really angers me :rant:

Sorry about that - just had to rant.

if i am indicating to turn and someone doesn't look behind them i rev my engine quite loud before i turn- usually makes them stop. :D

Pedestrians do always have right of way. However, when you are road conscious for yourself, you more often that not have to be extra cautious due to their lack of awareness. They do walk around as if they are in the middle of a field. They would do better to be a little more conscious of where they are and what they are doing too, and taking some responsibility instead of leaving it all to the drivers.

Pedestrians have right of way but it so annoys me when they just step out without even looking. If you have to slam your brakes on they just look at you as if you shouldn't be there. Idiots.

I've clipped a fair few drunken kids outside of Rep on a Friday/Saturday night.

Rev engine, no joy. Beep horn, no joy. Clip with bumper/wing mirror, works everytime.

It's frustrating from the other side as well:

1) Drivers that don't indicate and then wonder why they have a pedestrian wrapped around their front wheel.

2) Drivers who mount the pavement to park.

3) Drivers who hurtle towards you after you've been forced to walk in the road by the drivers covered by point 2.

More consideration on both parts would be a very good thing.

To quote from the highway code:

watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way

So, until you actually make your turn the pedestrian has every right to cross the road.

My main worry is getting the bits of flesh out of the star on my bonnet so I always try and avoid pedestrians at all times.

Originally posted by PureShefBabe
If you have to slam your brakes on they just look at you as if you shouldn't be there. Idiots.
Ever entertained the idea that some motorists have to "slam" thier brakes on because they're either driving too fast or not paying attention to the road?

Originally posted by max
So, until you actually make your turn the pedestrian has every right to cross the road.
A good point that many motorists seem to ignore.

Speed up and don't look like your willing to stop, works a treat and if they see you again they will get out of the way. I do it all the time and I've never hit anyone.

Carmine - I appreciate some drivers don't indicate, and yes, if I'm walking somewhere it really annoys me, but every day on my way home to 'student world' where I live there are people who claim to have brains wandering about and yes, they look at you as if you shouldn't be there.

At my sister's school, they stand at the entrances and it's impossible to get past, they laugh, they actually invite you to drive into them, because they know you won't.

It really wipes the smile off their face when you do though... you don't have to hit them hard, just drive very slowly upto them and touch them with the bumper and they're all over the place - the headteacher watched me do it the other day and never said a word - he knows how irritating they are.

Originally posted by Lotti
Carmine - I appreciate some drivers don't indicate, and yes, if I'm walking somewhere it really annoys me, but every day on my way home to 'student world' where I live there are people who claim to have brains wandering about and yes, they look at you as if you shouldn't be there.
I have no gripes about that and I think that you're right to nudge the occasional w*nker.

But I can only speak as a pedestrian.

Every time I cross the road I try to make sure that there's nothing about to hit me and I'd expect a motorist to do the same.

All I want at the end of the day is to cross from one side to the other and if I take the time to choose a safe opportunity to do so I just hope that there isn't someone who appears out of nowhere and thinks that the appropriate reaction to a pedestrian is to "put their foot down".

Originally posted by speeed
Speed up and don't look like your willing to stop, works a treat and if they see you again they will get out of the way. I do it all the time and I've never hit anyone.

YET!!!

Has it ever occured to you that when you're not behind the wheel of your terror wagon - and, dare I say WALKING - YOU are indeed a PEDESTRIAN!!

We are not different species you know - pedestrians and drivers - and a little bit of consideration on both sides would mean a lot less near misses and fatalities.

I know a lot of what has been said in jest - tongue in cheek - but all the same - think before you act! :thumbsup:

I just love to press the button at traffic lights and then cross the road when i get a chance. Then watch them wait for a red light and nobody crossing :-)

Not really got a problem with pedestrians, so long as they are not pushing a pram into the middle of the road whilst trying to cross it. STUPID!!!

Have more of a poblem with those buggy things that old people tend to have when they are on the road and shouldn't be.

Us drivers pay road tax - they don't! Get em on the pavement I say.:mad:

Uni students - good god, they must be the worst. All I can say is don't get in the way of the big shiny red landrover in the mornings!!! :)

lol SlimRick,

buxomhussy - yes that really winds me up, I think anyone who can push a pram into the road to stop cars is totally irresponsible, I know that the pram has to go first, but some people do it because they know the car will stop for a pram.

And to be honest, joffrey - sometimes, yes it can really bug me, but there are times when people press the button with the same intention as you but it actually helps people emerging from junctions because it stops traffic so thankyou :thumbsup:

As I can only speak as a pedestrian I will.

I hate pedestrians sometimes, my friends will just walk straight in front of a car without warning and then conplain! :loopy:

I must admit I have walked in front of cars on occasion but if I'm already going across the road I'm not going back to the pavement and risking getting hit by a car on the way back!

Some of the kids in my school deserve to be run down but would probably only think of it as a good way to get out of PE!

This is a little odd. To echo the previous poster, aren't we all potential pedestrians? Surely your problem is with certain stupid people, not all pedestrians. In the same way as you may have problems with some stupid drivers, or some stupid cyclists, or some stupid mountaineers. Very sweeping indeed. :)

Not a pedestrian in this instance, but a Chav on a bike. Riding it in front of me in the very middle of the road.
Slowly.
On purpose.
(I couldnt pass because of parked cars)
I rev engine. He responds nonchanantly with a wheelie.
Goes even slower. Gets to end of road where it widens and decides to ride on the opposite side facing the wrong way so he could then cut onto the pavement and pretend to be a pedestrian on a bike.
I could have throttled the little tw** :rant:

I don't use the word chav lightly. The cap, gold chains and nylon sportswear gave him away

Originally posted by Draggletail
Not a pedestrian in this instance, but a Chav on a bike. Riding it in front of me in the very middle of the road.
Slowly.
On purpose.
(I couldnt pass because of parked cars)
I rev engine. He responds nonchanantly with a wheelie.
Goes even slower. Gets to end of road where it widens and decides to ride on the opposite side facing the wrong way so he could then cut onto the pavement and pretend to be a pedestrian on a bike.
I could have throttled the little tw** :rant:

I don't use the word chav lightly. The cap, gold chains and nylon sportswear gave him away

Sorry but that post was excellent :hihi: loved it...

Andy - I agree, we are all potential pedestrians, but the difference is if pedestrians were made 'fair game' it would mean nothing to me as I get out of the way anyway.

Those who aren't stupid wouldn't be affected, whilst the idiots that saunter about would be slowly 'culled'...

:hihi: sorry am in a slightly silly mood

Originally posted by buxomhussy
Not really got a problem with pedestrians, so long as they are not pushing a pram into the middle of the road whilst trying to cross it. STUPID!!!


what i hate are those mothers that push the front of the pram into the road so you have to stop or swerve to avoid!
as both driver and pedestrian i think this is stupid and dangerous,
when i am walking with my daughter and i come to cross the road i turn the pram to the side until its safe to cross as her safety is the most important but some of these people dont see this!!!

If pedestrians were made fair game then you lot could have an excellent game of skittles! :hihi:

:rolleyes: I don't assume the people who don't look where they are going realy want to become a statistic. Maybe those reading this might look a little more carefully next time they are out on the streets :)

Deaths and injuries on the road

* 3,508 people were killed in road accidents in 2003
* 33,707 were seriously injured
* 253,392 were slightly injured

Children

* 171 children were killed in road accidents in 2003
* 3,929 were seriously injured
* More than twice as many boys as girls are killed or seriously injured in pedestrian and cycle accidents

Drink driving

* 560(p) people were killed in drink-drive related incidents in 2003
* 2,580(p) were seriously injured
* There were over 19,000(p) drink-drive casualties in total in 2003
* 6% of all road casualties and 16% of deaths in 2003 occurred when someone was driving when over the legal limit for alcohol
* Male drivers under 25 had the highest incidence of failing a breath test after being involved in a road accident in which someone was injured

p = provisional

* Drink drive statistics (November 2003)

Motorcyclists

* 693 motorcyclists were killed in road accidents in 2003
* 6,959 were seriously injured
* Motorcyclists represent 1% of traffic but represent 20% of deaths and serious injuries
* Motorcycle riders are 40 times more likely to be killed than car drivers

Cyclists

* 114 pedal cyclists were killed in road accidents in 2003
* 2,297 were seriously injured

Pedestrians

* 774 pedestrians were killed in 2003
* 7,159 were seriously injured
* Pedestrians represent 13% of all road casualties and 22% of all road deaths

Driving for work

* Over one third of all road traffic accidents, about 1,000 deaths a year, involve someone who is at work at the time

Seat belts

* One in 10 drivers and front seat passengers, and four in 10 rear seat adults do not wear seatbelts
* One in 10 child rear seat passengers do not use seatbelts or child restraints
* About 10 front seat users are killed every year by unbelted rear seat passengers

* Great Britain car & van seat belt wearing - percentage rates (April 2005)

Speeding

* Speeding is not just inconsiderate driving - it contributes to the 36,000 serious injuries and 3,000 deaths that occur on Britain's roads each year
* More than two thirds of all accidents in which people are killed or seriously injured happen on roads where the speed limit is 40mph or less
* At 35mph you are twice as likely to kill someone as you are at 30mph

Driving tired

* Falling asleep at the wheel is the cause of around 20% of accidents on long journeys on trunk roads and motorways
* Men aged 30 and under are more likely to have a sleep related vehicle accident
* The greatest risk of falling asleep at the wheel is between midnight and 6am

http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/statistics.htm

I find a good rule of thumb is whoever is causing less polution should have right of way.

Idiots, idiot, idiots why don't you ppl get a clue the general public will and always have had the righter way. It's coming up to christmas now and it's getting pretty cold, think about the poor "pedestrian" when your sat in your nice warm car.

P.S any driver pips at me when i'm crossing the road ad see if they don't get a size nine in the door of there beloved car (only if there smaller than me of course):hihi:

First of all - you have no right to call any of us with different opinions 'idiots' especially when you state 'righter way' when it's 'right of way' :rolleyes:

Secondly, as already stated, it wouldn't bother people if all pedestrians had the same courtesy as others. If a car is coming I hurry up not only so I don't get killed but it's a lot more hassle for a car to slow down, change gear etc than it is for a pedestrian who is able to, to walk faster or stop and wait.

Also - what if that car coming towards you was beeping because they had suddenly realised their brakes were failing and there was nothing they could do - your own ignorance would get you killed. Fool.

And personally, if you kicked my car whilst I was driving I'd have you taken to court for not only damaging my property but purposely distracting my attention from the road.

A car driver is basically a pedestrian in a metal 'go faster' cage. I always show consideration to pedestrians and try to pre-empt what they may do. Some people become so inconsiderate when they drive.

I have hit someone. She walked out between 2 parked cars and I clipped her and knocked her over. It was the worst feeling I have ever had for those few seconds until I realised she was unhurt and I would not wish it on anyone. Fortunately I was driving well within the speed limit or I could have done her some damage.

I love to put my foot down when I can but in some built-up areas even 30 mph is too fast. I see cars blasting down my street which has parked cars on both sides and if someone does step out in front of them, chances are they would be brown bread.

as a pedestrian myself, (Unable to drive at the time) There is nothing more annoying than the annoying drivers who dont indicate when going round a corner, so you dont know wtf theyer doin, so you start crossing then they ahve the cheek to beep and shout abuse at you as they drive off.

theres also nothing worse than the drivers who insist on speeding up when approaching a crossing, cause they see it go to Orange, and they know its going to go to red, it usually ends up in them running a red light, a bad spot for this is The Earl Marshall crossing on each bank road.. all traffic does it, coming down eastbank road..

Motorists, please remember the following at all times!

Any sensible driver will take great care to avoid hitting a pedestrian who is elderly or infirm, as they only carry half-points, students don't carry any points at all of course, being FAR too easy a target, so aren't worth aiming for. Youths who dawdle deliberately whilst crossing in front of you and young fit adults who step into the road without looking, carry full points and therefore are a worthy and prestigious addition to your score.

Lastly, those pedestrians who press a crossing-button and then dash across before their light turns to green, means 20 bonus points... Oh! and Traffic Wardens get you 50, well worth looking out for!

By the way, if you drive a large 4x4... ALL points are automatically halved, as with a vehicle of that size, it's difficult to miss anyone! ;)

Originally posted by max
To quote from the highway code:



So, until you actually make your turn the pedestrian has every right to cross the road.

My main worry is getting the bits of flesh out of the star on my bonnet so I always try and avoid pedestrians at all times.

The front grille on most Mercs 'Slice and Dice' very nicely ;)

Reckon that any driver who needs to slam on his or her brakes when turning a corner is a terrible driver.

Pedestrians came first. Just cos you drive a car does not make you a better class citizen.

I love those drivers I see on a day when it is piling it down with rain and there is some lass with her two kiddies waiting to cross the road and getting soaked to the skin, and they cannot be bothered to stop and let them cross.

Seems some folkk get into their car and become mindless morons, selfish, and delusional.

Dragon

I think everyone has to remember that it goes both ways, there are some stupid drivers and some stupid pedestrians. If they bothed showed some more common sense at times, there woukd be fewer accidents.

But don't worry Lotti, don't imagine you can do much damage in a Micra anyway :P :hihi:

I am not a terrible driver first off, when it's pouring with rain and a pedestrian is waiting, I will generally stop like I often let other cars out. I don't like it when people are not road conscious.

What I object to is when you're driving down the road at 30mph and there's nothing else on the road and suddenly some stupid cow with a pram pushes it out in front of you, or some idiot runs across the road when it would have been easier to wait until you'd gone past as there's nothing coming after me.

Then, yes, I slam the brakes on just to make sure I stop in time, I could probably slow down sooner but you stop asap.

That's why you learn 'emergency stop' in lessons :loopy:

yes, they have right of way, but my argument is they abuse it.

Jimbob - would you like to find out how much damage a micra can do you cheeky sod ;)

I appreciate how infuriating all us pedestrians can be to you drivers.

Bu thtink of it from our point of view, when its raining, you're all snug in your nice dry car, and we're getting soaked anyway, and especially if you come along and splash us with a big puddle!

And the fact that you're likely to get home in about half the time... I'd rather not spend half my life walking!

Sorry to rant :rant: , but just because you've got the money to but a big, expensive noisy machine, doesn't give you the automatic right to think you can speed around anywhere with no regard for those who are on foot.

I appreciate that most drivers aren't like that, but to the ones who are.....

Originally posted by Bic0
Motorists, please remember the following at all times!

Any sensible driver will take great care to avoid hitting a pedestrian who is elderly or infirm, as they only carry half-points, students don't carry any points at all of course, being FAR too easy a target, so aren't worth aiming for. Youths who dawdle deliberately whilst crossing in front of you and young fit adults who step into the road without looking, carry full points and therefore are a worthy and prestigious addition to your score.

Lastly, those pedestrians who press a crossing-button and then dash across before their light turns to green, means 20 bonus points... Oh! and Traffic Wardens get you 50, well worth looking out for!

By the way, if you drive a large 4x4... ALL points are automatically halved, as with a vehicle of that size, it's difficult to miss anyone! ;)

LOL loved that - I will have to remember it.

I just want to confirm that I agree with most points on here - about how it's just as annoying when you get a bad driver, I always take great care indicate in good time but it annoys me when they walk out in front as you are turning.

I also stop for orange lights even if I'm there and could get through on red because a lot of people will set off too early.

I drive at what I consider a safe speed and have never broken the limit not only for risk of hurting someone but also because I'm in my first two years and could lose my license... nobody wants that ;)

I'm not saying I think we should just run pedestrians down willy nilly - that was a joke, I just feel everyone could be considerate.

If a car emerged from a junction after looking and then another car came round a bed but they had right of way, should they just carry on and think - no, I have right of way even if the other car was there first. NO - they should slow down and accomodate the other driver to prevent a crash, this is exactly the same scenario as a car going round a corner and a pedestrian crossing, should the pedestrian start crossing anyway and think 'no I have right of way even if the car was here first' NO.

Originally posted by diskoheaven
I appreciate how infuriating all us pedestrians can be to you drivers.

Bu thtink of it from our point of view, when its raining, you're all snug in your nice dry car, and we're getting soaked anyway, and especially if you come along and splash us with a big puddle!

And the fact that you're likely to get home in about half the time... I'd rather not spend half my life walking!

Sorry to rant :rant: , but just because you've got the money to but a big, expensive noisy machine, doesn't give you the automatic right to think you can speed around anywhere with no regard for those who are on foot.

I appreciate that most drivers aren't like that, but to the ones who are.....

I don't mind the rain. It's more if I'm already late for something or in a bad mood.
Not everyone does have to money to pay for a car though some get it on benefits and if they need it for disability reasons then they are entitled to it. Also if they are late for something then we can't comment on their lack of kindness in letting us cross either.

The thing that really annoys me is when you are walking along and a bus comes and splashes a big puddle on you or clips you with it's wing mirrors or whatever. Busses seem to think they own the world and most of the time I refuse to use them as some of the drivers are just horrible.

Originally posted by diskoheaven
I appreciate how infuriating all us pedestrians can be to you drivers.

Bu thtink of it from our point of view, when its raining, you're all snug in your nice dry car, and we're getting soaked anyway, and especially if you come along and splash us with a big puddle!

And the fact that you're likely to get home in about half the time... I'd rather not spend half my life walking!

Sorry to rant :rant: , but just because you've got the money to but a big, expensive noisy machine, doesn't give you the automatic right to think you can speed around anywhere with no regard for those who are on foot.

I appreciate that most drivers aren't like that, but to the ones who are.....


I agree - I have been a pedestrian and have stood at bus stops for hours waiting for a bus that was late, or when I walk places, there are very inconsiderate drivers.

edit - didn't agree with the money for expensive motors though - unfortunately that gets me because people look at me and think 'oh daddy's got lots of money for a 17 year old to have a micra' but it's actually very different.

Originally posted by FilthFan
The thing that really annoys me is when you are walking along and a bus comes and splashes a big puddle on you or clips you with it's wing mirrors or whatever.


How tall are you :confused: :confused: :D

Originally posted by Lotti
How tall are you :confused: :confused: :D

If you mean because of the wingmirrors I normally get a clip on the head....

Not all busses are the same size, build or whatever (i sound like im talking about a person :D)

Originally posted by FilthFan
same size, build or whatever

structure is the word! :D woops

Originally posted by Lotti
If a car emerged from a junction after looking and then another car came round a bed but they had right of way, should they just carry on and think - no, I have right of way even if the other car was there first. NO - they should slow down and accomodate the other driver to prevent a crash, this is exactly the same scenario as a car going round a corner and a pedestrian crossing, should the pedestrian start crossing anyway and think 'no I have right of way even if the car was here first' NO.

I think the point is Lotti (and I have experienced this many times when out with my son in his pushchair) that many motorists will come flying round a bend/ junction to be confronted with a pedestrian already cossing the road, and will expect the pedestrian to stop in the road or move back to the pavement to make way for the car - unfair, inconsiderate and dangerous.

I also have cause to use a zebra crossing on a regular basis. It I usually have to wait for several cars to go by before someone is courteous enough to stop to allow us to cross.

This thread mirrors many of the anti cyclists threads. When you actually stop to examine the facts you will find that motorists cause most of the problems on our roads and are the most inconsiderate road users.

I have to cross a busy road every day and there is no pedestrian crossing - not even anywhere close to where I have to cross. Unless the lollpop lady is on, it's a case of waiting til you see a car which seems to be going a bit slower and step out into the traffic.

I hate it when you're at the front of a queue at trafic lights and then someone decides to cross the road last minute. Of course you have to let them go, so why do drivers behind feel the need to beep horns and flash lights? Do they seriously want me to kill somebody so they can get to Argos two seconds quicker? :rant:

The other thing that gets me mad is crossings where they give you about 2 seconds to cross and then drivers start rushing towards you.

But likewise, I also hate it when you're approaching a crossing and some twerp decides he's so cool he has to rush towards the kerb and stand in the gutter, not on the pavement. That tends to make you put your brakes on that bit too hard. If there's a nice puddle to drive through, that's the time to do it. Supermarket car parks are the worst for zombiefied pedestrians wandering all over the place, and not only that, but uncontrolled kids.

You can't do anything really but keep your eyes open and slow down.

Originally posted by Carmine
It's frustrating from the other side as well:

1) Drivers that don't indicate and then wonder why they have a pedestrian wrapped around their front wheel.

2) Drivers who mount the pavement to park.

3) Drivers who hurtle towards you after you've been forced to walk in the road by the drivers covered by point 2.

More consideration on both parts would be a very good thing.

haha like here, theres two shops, you wait to cross the road, outside the shops, car pulls up opposite, right were your waiting to cross, they also turn around there, cos theres a sort of crossroads bit, and you cross behind a car outside the shop, then it starts bloody reversing ANNOYING (specially when you have 3 roads to try and cross, with 2 young kids)
ALSO why do car drivers have to park right outside the shop? they cant possibly park 2 foot away, its gotta be right there, even though theres a bus stop outside one with the lines marked out for it, they still keep pulling up right outside the shop and parking IN the lines

My friend got hit by a car recently. We laugh about it now as she was outside the hospital on her way to school at the time. Did come as a hell of a shock when it happened though..

And that children is why we don't cross between two cars...

Especially when they're going at 40 miles an hour, one behind the other! :hihi:

Originally posted by scoop
I think the point is Lotti (and I have experienced this many times when out with my son in his pushchair) that many motorists will come flying round a bend/ junction to be confronted with a pedestrian already cossing the road, and will expect the pedestrian to stop in the road or move back to the pavement to make way for the car - unfair, inconsiderate and dangerous.

I also have cause to use a zebra crossing on a regular basis. It I usually have to wait for several cars to go by before someone is courteous enough to stop to allow us to cross.

This thread mirrors many of the anti cyclists threads. When you actually stop to examine the facts you will find that motorists cause most of the problems on our roads and are the most inconsiderate road users.


Very true. There are a lot of very inconsiderate drivers, I will NEVER go past a zebra crossing unless the people have only just got to it and it would be more unsafe for me to stop suddenly.

I play hell with a lot of them on my way to and from college - there are some real idiots on the road.

However, I don't know for sure but I'm not convinced they are the most inconsiderate group - The thing is, pedestrians aren't particularly dangerous - cars are. Therefore - if a car is being inconsiderate it's usually noticed a lot more than pedestrians. Also pedestrians who can't drive don't know that they are being inconsiderate whilst drivers who are walking do. For instance when you're trying to emerge from a junction and there's a group of people stood on the very corner chatting so you can't see around them. If they knew how difficult they were making it, they would hopefully think twice.

Originally posted by Lotti
Jimbob - would you like to find out how much damage a micra can do you cheeky sod ;)

:o gulp, gonna have to watch out for your driving through school :P

I was hit by a student teacher at school. luckily I have very good reflexes and suffered nothing more than a shock and scratches. His bonnet however had a Rob shaped dent. The driver wasn't paying attention.

As a pedestrian I get angered by a lot of drivers.

50% of drivers don't stop at zebra crossings

at least half don't bother to indicate (too busy listening to the wit of Chris Moyles obviously)

If a car is waiting to turn into a minor road I am waiting to cross I will always indicate that the car should turn in before I cross.

I hate ignorant motorists who see you crossing a road but they just keep going because they obviosuly think they are superior to anyone else.

I hate motorists who decide that you aren't crossing a road quickly enough so they wll beep/gesture at you.

I hate motorists who just have to go through that red light because they are such busy poeple.

Although I hate cyclists a lot more.

Most motorists tend to be well mannered.

However most cyclists seem to think they can use the pavement and road intermitenetly in order to shorten their journey. Most have no idea of the highway code and. never signal. go through red lights. go up the inside of cars. completely ignore road signs

Originally posted by robbie

....However most cyclists seem to think they can use the pavement and road intermitenetly in order to shorten their journey. Most have no idea of the highway code and. never signal. go through red lights. go up the inside of cars. completely ignore road signs

Robbie - you have just summed up my pet hate :nod:

Originally posted by Lotti
ok - I haven't actually hit a pedestrian...

but, my question is who here feels that pedestrians should be made fair game lol

I know it sounds odd but it really makes me angry that you can be driving down the road and they walk out in front of you and don't give a damn, they know you'll stop because you'll be in trouble if you hit them.
Or, if you're turning a corner, you've had your indicator on for ages and still people walk across the road you're turning into, and you sit there and they saunter past as if you've got all day, or if you beep they give you the dirtiest look ever.



Sounds a little as if you would like the law changed so that pedestrians who in your opininion were being stupid, should be 'fair game'. - and you ought be allowed to run them down.

It's also a little worrying that someone who has only been driving unsupervised for a few short months is already displaying symptoms of road rage.

To my mind the most stupid "pedestrians" are those drivers who get in and out of their parked cars in a stream of fast moving traffic and force other drivers to take avoiding action.

Stop the world !, - I want to get into/out of my car !! :loopy: Why can't they wait just a minute for a break in the traffic ?

Originally posted by Lotti
First of all - you have no right to call any of us with different opinions 'idiots' especially when you state 'righter way' when it's 'right of way' :rolleyes:

Secondly, as already stated, it wouldn't bother people if all pedestrians had the same courtesy as others. If a car is coming I hurry up not only so I don't get killed but it's a lot more hassle for a car to slow down, change gear etc than it is for a pedestrian who is able to, to walk faster or stop and wait.

Also - what if that car coming towards you was beeping because they had suddenly realised their brakes were failing and there was nothing they could do - your own ignorance would get you killed. Fool.

And personally, if you kicked my car whilst I was driving I'd have you taken to court for not only damaging my property but purposely distracting my attention from the road.

Don't you think it's a little sad picking apart somebody's message for mistakes, i can imagine your one of those driver's everybody loves to hate the sort that think there god because there driving a chunk of metal on wheels.

THAT CHUNK OF METAL KILLS the pedestrians are not to blame for your lack of driving skills mate so don't push the blame on them stand up and be counted.;)

If pedestrians are going to be fair game in Sheffield DeathRace 2006, then I feel it should be reciprocal.

Pedestrians Remember:

The Best Defence is a Strong Offence.

and

Walk Softly and Carry A Big Stick.


As a standard offensive pedestrian toolkit I would suggest the following.

1 Stinger (http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/Stinger_Spike.jpg) for arresting the progress of most moving vehicles.
1 magnetic tazer - for fritzing car electronics. Stops modern electronically controlled cars in their tracks.
Potato - for exhaust pipes.
2 minute expoxy - for keyholes.
Superglue - For door handles
Thermite pack - for turning engines into molten slag (and torching the entire vehicle afterwards)
Penknife - for tyres.


We should have the enemy completely immobilised within days.

I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet.

mmmm i've seen people run over in my time and it wasn't pretty i can really appreciate the feelings of both the parties involved the victim and the person behind the wheel of the car!

Originally posted by Simoon
if your going to make write a message making yourself out to be the "MODEL DRIVER" at least keep that consistant and not threaten to run people over

what :confused:

Ok - I think a few people have taken this a LITTLE too seriously...

Of course, I don't think that pedestrians really should be made 'fair game', I just think it would make a lot of people think...

And it did - lol

As for judging my driving skills. DON'T. You don't know me, I didn't say that you were the type of pedestrian I hated, so don't tell me that I'm the type of driver everyone hates.
I'm not professing to have had years of experience or to have been able to get into a car and drive it straight off.

I spent months learning because I'm disabled and needed a car. It didn't come naturally but now that I've learnt - it's getting easier by the day.

However - I still make sure to be very careful - NEVER go above the speed limit, I am as careful as I possibly can be to read the road, not block junctions, watch for people on the pavement, general hazard perception.

Ok - this isn't special, I know that - therefore, I know that I am nothing special, I'm no better than any other driver and I will let any pedestrian cross. I'd never dream of running anyone down but what really gets up my nose is when you are already turning into a road and somebody runs across in front of you.

This may not be the law, but to me on that occassion - they shouldn't have right of way. They have stopped me, when you're learning to drive, you are taught never to pull out in front of a car causing them to slow down or stop abruptly. So why should this be any different for pedestrians :confused:

Pedestrians are a very inconsiderate group - I think a lot of it is that most of them CAN'T drive so don't realise they're being inconsiderate, but even so - that doesn't stop them from being just that.

I'm not saying motorists aren't inconsiderate- I know they are and yes, it winds me up - and yes, it may make me swear or shout on a bad day - TO MYSELF - never to them as it distracts them from the road - but I never put myself or anyone else in danger.

So please - whilst I agree, it may have been pretty easy to take my original post as very, very seriously - especially if you don't know me and don't realise that I'm not the very, very seriously type - please don't judge my driving skills or what I am like as a person until you know me. If you knew me, you would know that I am not the 'holier than thou' type and don't ever profess to be something special.

And as for 'that chunk of metal kills' well DUH I do know that otherwise I'd have never passed my test
:loopy:

Originally posted by Lotti
First of all - you have no right to call any of us with different opinions 'idiots' especially when you state 'righter way' when it's 'right of way' :rolleyes:

Also - what if that car coming towards you was beeping because they had suddenly realised their brakes were failing and there was nothing they could do - your own ignorance would get you killed. Fool.



So, Lotti decrees that Simoon has no right to call car drivers "idiots". But then it's o.k. for Lotti to call Simoon a "Fool". Would Lotti care to explain why only she has the privilage to be abusive?

i suppose, realistically it all comes down to the person thats driving the car and the same for the pedestrian, i think alot of motorists/ pedestrians go by the logic that it's never going to happen to them, and then bham it's too late.

I've seen some crazy stuff in my time once saw a lorry driver coming down the motorway in the dead of the night, reading the paper with his knee on the steering wheel now thats just stupid, and the pedestrian that thought he'd walk in front of a bus the same time as it was pulling out.

:D big smile everyone WEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Originally posted by Simoon
i suppose, realistically it all comes down to the person thats driving the car and the same for the pedestrian, i think alot of motorists/ pedestrians go by the logic that it's never going to happen to them, and then bham it's too late.

I've seen some crazy stuff in my time once saw a lorry driver coming down the motorway in the dead of the night, reading the paper with his knee on the steering wheel now thats just stupid, and the pedestrian that thought he'd walk in front of a bus the same time as it was pulling out.

That's awful :o

Thankyou - you've hit the nail on the head. What if, something happened - and anything can happen that meant I didn't notice that pedestrian who thought 'it'll never happen to me' in time...
My whole point is - they take advantage of that 'it'll never happen to me' thought and that there ought to be more thinking going on.
At one point people were scared of cars and what could happen if they stepped out. Now there's none of that and they get cocky - that's how they get hurt.

I hope I never have to experience anything like that - I once saw a good friend of mine get hit by a car because she walked out while looking behind her :loopy: :loopy: and even though she was fine after a few stitches to her head, it was awful. But - she never did it again.

Originally posted by redrobbo
So, Lotti decrees that Simoon has no right to call car drivers "idiots". But then it's o.k. for Lotti to call Simoon a "Fool". Would Lotti care to explain why only she has the privilage to be abusive?

No Lottie wouldn't - I'll tell you why, because you've added nothing constructive to this discussion and every post you've addressed to me since some time ago has been both patronising and nitpicking.

Sorry Simoon if you took as much offense to this as Redrobbo - if you would seriously like the explanation that Redrobbo has asked for please pm me and I will kindly talk to you about it. I just don't feel that this is the place to discuss who said what.

Originally posted by redrobbo
So, Lotti decrees that Simoon has no right to call car drivers "idiots". But then it's o.k. for Lotti to call Simoon a "Fool". Would Lotti care to explain why only she has the privilage to be abusive?

Still waiting Lotti.......

Originally posted by Lotti

Or, if you're turning a corner, you've had your indicator on for ages and still people walk across the road you're turning into, and you sit there and they saunter past as if you've got all day, or if you beep they give you the dirtiest look ever.




I think you need to change your attitude, Lotti. As another poster has pointed out, you are required to give way to pedestrians when you're turning left or right. Also, what purpose does sounding your horn serve in this instance, other than to signal your indignation? Did your instructor not explain its proper use?

At 17 you've a lot to learn.

I'd also counsel you to check your own posts a little more carefully before you berate others for their mistakes.

Originally posted by ega95jch
I think you need to change your attitude, Lotti. As another poster has pointed out, you are required to give way to pedestrians when you're turning left or right. Also, what purpose does sounding your horn serve in this instance, other than to signal your indignation? Did your instructor not explain its proper use?

At 17 you've a lot to learn.

I'd also counsel you to check your own posts a little more carefully before you berate others for their mistakes.

Hmm, yes, you are required to give way - but have you seen what I've said more than once - when learning to drive you are told never to pull out in front of a car causing them to slow down or stop. That is exactly what that pedestrian is doing - why is it any different, it's still causing both parties to be put in danger.

I'm not saying is it any different. I'm saying why should it be any different.

And yes, it was explained to me about using my horn, and yes - I would be using it the majority of the time to sound my indignation but there are also times when pedestrians walk out as if they haven't seen you and then it would be to warn them you're there and remind them to look next time.

I've done it - nobody's perfect I've looked, walked out and then there's been a car there - just like that, they've beeped and I've apologised and shifted my sorry little ass.
These people that annoy me don't - they look at you like you're something they scraped off their shoe and saunter across.

And, how many people wave or flash to people to say 'yes, I'm waiting for you' - on no account, when learning should you do that.

As part pedestrian, part motorist, I can say that motorists are portrayed as the devil (aren't they always) when in fact it is the pedestrian who causes a lot of trouble/accidents.

People who start to cross the road when the red man is on - prepare yourself for some intense revving, you are in the way and you do not have priority at this time. I've been tooted at at couple of times for doing this and have no complaints, I was basically trying to shave a minute or two off my walk - hands up, my fault.

Pedestrians in Sheffield City Centre have no excuse whatsoever to cause inconvenience to cars. The paths are so wide, the crossings so frequent and the priority to traffic so minimal that the car feels like the victim, much like the person posting earlier who has been surrounded by kids sitting on their bonnet etc.

As an attentive driver, it ticks me off how vacant some pedestrians are and how they seem to blame the drivers, just because we are inside our metal cages. I suppose they'd also complain if their vacant nature led to them walking straight into the path of another brisk walker, resulting in some spilled coffee. On both counts here, they would be in the wrong.

Drivers have their part to play in pedestrian safety, such as stopping at zebra crossings, indicating effectively, driving at a sensible speed and not bullying people off the road who were there first and have priority.

But pedestrians need to wake up and be aware of their surroundings. One person's doziness on the path/road can lead to all kinds of trauma. If you must be vacant, please do it somewhere safe, not next to a road thankyou!

:)

EDIT - People seem to forget that the horn of a car is meant to be sounded to alert other drivers/pedestrians know of their presence. Its not always a sign of anger, and a driver sounding its horn could save a pedestrian's life in doing so.

phew glad someone agrees :P was feeling a wee bit insignificant there...

I know - you don't think that it's ok to run people down - neither do I for the record, but the points you made are the points I've been trying to make all the way through - perhaps I'm just not very good at it ;)

I'd also like to add that we're all capable of making faults and that yes, I may have beeped my horn in anger, but like dinp said, it could save a pedestrian's life, or as I said earlier, just make them think more next time. It does me - if someone beeps at me, and I'm in the wrong, I apologise even if they do it out of anger and I think more next time I'm crossing a road.

Originally posted by Lotti
Hmm, yes, you are required to give way - but have you seen what I've said more than once - when learning to drive you are told never to pull out in front of a car causing them to slow down or stop. That is exactly what that pedestrian is doing - why is it any different, it's still causing both parties to be put in danger.

I'm not saying is it any different. I'm saying why should it be any different.


Pedestrians don't have to pass a test to walk on the street. Pedestrians are unpredictable. They sometimes step onto the road for no apparent reason. A vehicle driver should always be aware of this.


Originally posted by Lotti

And yes, it was explained to me about using my horn, and yes - I would be using it the majority of the time to sound my indignation but there are also times when pedestrians walk out as if they haven't seen you and then it would be to warn them you're there and remind them to look next time.

You admit to using your horn at pedestrians "to sound my indignation". That is of course in contravention of the Highway Code.

You also admit to pedestrians annoying you.

You quickly codemn Simoon for calling drivers "idiots", but in the same post are quite content to call Simoon a "Fool". I've twice asked you to justify this, but you have remained silent.

You've only been driving two years, and already you are ranting about pedestrians, admitting they annoy you, even calling one of them a "Fool" on this thread, and you admit to contravening the Highway Code by blasting your horn at pedestrians.

Shouldn't you be examining your behaviour as a driver? As another poster has already suggested, don't you think you should curb your apparent road rage?

Originally posted by Lotti
phew glad someone agrees :P was feeling a wee bit insignificant there...

I know - you don't think that it's ok to run people down - neither do I for the record, but the points you made are the points I've been trying to make all the way through - perhaps I'm just not very good at it ;)

I'd also like to add that we're all capable of making faults and that yes, I may have beeped my horn in anger, but like dinp said, it could save a pedestrian's life, or as I said earlier, just make them think more next time. It does me - if someone beeps at me, and I'm in the wrong, I apologise even if they do it out of anger and I think more next time I'm crossing a road.

Its not that you're not very good at making the points, i'm just as blunt as a bread knife and make no apologies for it :D

That horn is a useful tool, not only for shooing pedestrians away, but also for preventing other daft motorists from driving into your back/front/side.

If, when being a pedestrian, someone beeps at me and I am in the wrong, I either hold my hand up to apologise, or just shift out the way ASAP. I'm only human, and so are they.

However, if they beep at me and THEY are wrong, i'm happy to stand in their way and make my point using a variety of blue words and hand gestures, adding to the motorist's annoyance but getting it off my chest :D

I don't condone knocking pedestrians over like skittles, but if they are being as deliberately provocative as the schoolkids were, I wouldn't lose any sleep over a gentle nudge in the right direction.

My mum had a problem with a pedestrian many years ago, problem being that he was on the bonnet of the car, refusing to move (yes this was a pub car park). After several times of asking, he hadn't moved, so she started up the car, drove along the car park with him on the bonnet and broke suddenly. Suddenly, there was no problem, and an audience of people laughing :hihi:

ALL PEDESTRIANS SHOULD WEAR HIGH VIZ VESTS and if they dont its there own faults :clap:

I agree whole heartedly dinp,

And straf - :hihi: :hihi:

Red - please go back and read my response to you before the next arrogant 'still waiting...'

I will reply in another post to yours separately.

Originally posted by redrobbo
Pedestrians don't have to pass a test to walk on the street. Pedestrians are unpredictable. They sometimes step onto the road for no apparent reason. A vehicle driver should always be aware of this.

You admit to using your horn at pedestrians "to sound my indignation". That is of course in contravention of the Highway Code.

You also admit to pedestrians annoying you.

You quickly codemn Simoon for calling drivers "idiots", but in the same post are quite content to call Simoon a "Fool". I've twice asked you to justify this, but you have remained silent.

You've only been driving two years, and already you are ranting about pedestrians, admitting they annoy you, even calling one of them a "Fool" on this thread, and you admit to contravening the Highway Code by blasting your horn at pedestrians.

Shouldn't you be examining your behaviour as a driver? As another poster has already suggested, don't you think you should curb your apparent road rage?

I've also used the horn to sound my indignation, do I need therapy? Of course not. It would be more peculiar if somebody never ever felt angry or slightly ticked off about anything.

Human nature doesn't seem to feature in today's society though, it has to be a disorder, has to be given a name so it can be treated. Erm... Mr Jones was angry behind the wheel of his car, cars drive on the road, YES!!

It MUST be "ROAD-RAGE"

It is no wonder that this 'road-rage' is getting worse though. This government seems hell-bent on making motoring as expensive, time consuming and inconvenient as possible, without providing a viable alternative.

Originally posted by redrobbo
Pedestrians don't have to pass a test to walk on the street. Pedestrians are unpredictable. They sometimes step onto the road for no apparent reason. A vehicle driver should always be aware of this.
yes, they should and I am.




You admit to using your horn at pedestrians "to sound my indignation". That is of course in contravention of the Highway Code.
- YES it is - you're right. And nobody's perfect. However - I don't beep my horn often and when I do it's often to make sure they're aware I'm there and, like I said - please read posts - so they think next time.

You also admit to pedestrians annoying you.
- well they do :suspect: The ones that take the michael of course - not all pedestrians can be to blame.

You quickly codemn Simoon for calling drivers "idiots", but in the same post are quite content to call Simoon a "Fool". I've twice asked you to justify this, but you have remained silent.
didn't stay silent - again read posts.

You've only been driving two years, and already you are ranting about pedestrians, admitting they annoy you, even calling one of them a "Fool" on this thread, and you admit to contravening the Highway Code by blasting your horn at pedestrians.
I've actually only been driving independently since April. But, even as much as experience does help I know some absolutely terrible drivers who have been driving for years and I think sometimes a lack of experience can make people a lot more careful. I am ranting about pedestrians because they don't make life any easier for any motorist especially not a new one. Shut up with the 'fool' thing - have responded to this and Simoon and I have spoken - if it doesn't bother Simoon, why should it bother you.

Shouldn't you be examining your behaviour as a driver? As another poster has already suggested, don't you think you should curb your apparent road rage?
I regularly examine my behaviour as a driver - like I said to someone else, you have no idea how I actually drive so can't really personally accuse me of being a bad driver.
And as for road rage, yes - I get angry, I get pent up and people annoy me, however, I don't drive irratically because of it, I don't shout and swear at other motorists - I may curse to myself but not to them as I know this would distract them from the road and cause more problems, I don't wind windows down and rant on at people like some stupid cow did to me the other day, and judging on all of that, I'd say - yes I get angry, no - I don't get road rage. After looking up the definition of 'road rage' this is what I found anger or violence between drivers, often caused by difficult driving conditions
There is no anger BETWEEN me and any other driver because I never direct it at drivers and I'm certainly never violent. -For a start, I'm little and know that I'd lose... :hihi:

you just need a big 4x4 i have no more poblems with pedestrians. they hear you coming and move, its that are the bull bars. its even better with kids they move instead of slowly walking across the road they run:loopy: :heyhey: kid:gag:

Originally posted by STRAF
you just need a big 4x4 i have no more poblems with pedestrians. they hear you coming and move, its that are the bull bars. its even better with kids they move instead of slowly walking across the road they run:loopy: :heyhey: kid:gag:

When finances permit, an X5 will be mine!

"Out of the way peasants!" :hihi:

If motorists assume that all road-users... including car-drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and even themselves at times, are total idiots, then both you and they stand a far better chance of remaining in one piece. It's called Defensive Driving and takes skill and concentration. It's not enough to drive correctly according to the Highway Code, you need to be able to try and anticipate the actions of those who don't obey the code.

You also need to drive within your normal stopping distance... Notice it's your 'normal' stopping distance... NOT your emergency braking distance!

The reason I stress this is because Lotti earlier wrote the following... Which I admit I may possibly have misinterpreted...

What I object to is when you're driving down the road at 30mph and there's nothing else on the road and suddenly some stupid cow with a pram pushes it out in front of you, or some idiot runs across the road when it would have been easier to wait until you'd gone past as there's nothing coming after me.

Then, yes, I slam the brakes on just to make sure I stop in time, I could probably slow down sooner but you stop asap.

That's why you learn 'emergency stop' in lessons

If, as Lotti writes, "I slam the brakes on just to make sure I stop in time, I could probably slow down sooner but you stop asap." meaning that you brake fiercely when you could just have well have slowed-down and stopped normally, this is not a good habit to get into, nor is it the reason why you learn the 'emergency stop' in lessons. Being able to do an emergency stop means that your reflexes, co-ordination and ability to control the vehicle when bringing it to a standstill rapidly, meet acceptable standards. The instructor or examiner will always check that there's nobody following too closely and that the road-surface is suitable before telling you to carry out this manoeuvre.

Unless you have the assistance of ABS and many cars don't have ABS at all, harsh braking on, for example... a greasy road, which many become when wet after a long dry-spell, or on wet leaves or gravel, or a diesel-spill, even on a poor road-surface, can result in problems... a car sliding with all four wheels locked is not the easiest of vehicles to control. Smooth, progressive braking is safer, in that it maximises tyre-contact with the road. Emergency-stops should be used only when, as the name says, there is an emergency... And be prepared for any car following too closely to run into the back of you, as far too many drivers don't drive within their stopping-distance.

Apart from the safety consideration, 'slamming the brakes on' is not being very kind to your braking-system and replacing brake-pads and shoes can be quite expensive when labour is taken into account, even more so when cylinder-seals need replacing.

N.B. I haven't discussed 'cadence-braking' as a substitute for ABS, as I don't want to complicate matters... ;)

sorry - for any confusion - that doesn't happen on a regular basis :hihi:

I don't know if I have ever actually 'slammed' the brakes on, but I would brake harder than necessary to avoid any risk. Which, in my opinion is better than hitting the baby that the mother has pushed in front of you.

I wrote is a general term as though it happens all the time which I didn't realise until you quoted it, so thankyou.

I am very road conscious at all times, but, as already said, we are all human and things happen sometimes, beyond our control, especially if someone appears from between two parked cars, you can't see them until they're in the road.

Sorry - I didn't mean it happened all the time, there are other points I can make - to my defence - but have already made them and people are choosing to ignore them so I am going to stop banging my head on this brick wall before I damage myself ;)

My thanks to Lotti for her comprehensive reply to my points, and my apologies for overlooking Lotti's earlier reply (we posted 1 minute apart).

Red

One question remains to be answered - do we condone gentle 'persuasion' of deliberately provocative and insane young scamps?

I do :heyhey:

Originally posted by redrobbo
My thanks to Lotti for her comprehensive reply to my eariler questions, and my apologies for overlooking Lotti's earlier reply (we posted 1 minute apart).

Red

Thankyou - apology accepted.

I'm afraid - I'm giving up the ghost now my posts haven't been comprehensive enough and I've given people mixed messages, I know that.

Things I've said have been misinterpeted and some twisted, so I'll not dig myself any deeper trying to get my point across as I feel this whole thread was one BIG mistake :|

Feel free to debate amongst yourselves if anyone has any different views on the subject - but I'm fed up of it now - now that the forummers think I'm a terrible driver with no road sense...

Just remember - you don't actually know me. And hopefully I can take some comfort in that and that you won't single me out as a bad driver if you're driving behind me not knowing it's me... ;)

Well, that's a relief Lotti, I had visions of you over-using the right foot and coming to frequent screaming standstills... on dry roads only! ;)

Driving safely is a skill that you learn a little more of each time you take the car out, I've been driving over forty years... and I'm still learning.

Too many think they know it all and become over-confident, be aware that you'll be a 'learner' for a long time yet and treat all others road-users as fools and you'll minimise your chances of having an accident by an appreciable amount... :)

Originally posted by Bic0
Well, that's a relief Lotti, I had visions of you over-using the right foot and coming to frequent screaming standstills... on dry roads only! ;)

Before I go - only because I think it's worth replying to ;)

Definitely not overdoing the gas pedal - I'm infamous at college for hovering over brake pedal more often than putting foot on gas... lol
I'm too scared to go too fast :hihi: If you see someone on the motorway going 50mph in a blue micra - it's me :rolleyes:

really am going to bed now...

Lotti - please empty your PM box.

Thanks

Red

Originally posted by redrobbo
Lotti - please empty your PM box.

Thanks

Red

have done :thumbsup:

Originally posted by Lotti
have done :thumbsup:

:o What you doing up at this time (02:20 AM), back to bed :P :hihi: