I have been amazed during the last few days driving, when I have seen people crossing the road, not checking first, or only looking to one side instead of both
It's likely because whoever compiled the latest version of the Highway Code has capitulated to idiots and say pedestrians have right of way all the time so if they do something that gets them killed or maimed it is aways some driver's fault, never theirs. Such is today's world.
The order from most to least vulnerable in an accident:
Pedestrians.
Cyclists.
Horse riders.
Motorcyclists.
Cars and Taxis.
Vans and Minibuses.
Large goods and passenger vehicles.
I'm in favour of this attempt to change the attitude of motorists.
And yes, I am a motorist, I passed my driving test in 1958.
When I cross the road, I normally wait by crossings with lights, if available, but even then, people nip across the road when the lights are on red. I also think that it does not give a good example to children when they are around.
Entitled morons have bred entitled morons for many a long year now.
Our lunatic politicians encourage and enable their idiocy and drag police into their fantasy world leaving normal folk shaking their heads in disbelief.
The shrill, tearful wail of 'it wasn't my fault' is the battle cry of the injured moron raised on a bed of cotton wool and told they're special.
It should not be based on vulnerability, especially since that's a good reason to be more careful. It should be based on maneuverability; and knowledge that pavements are built for pedestrians while roads are built & paid for many times over by motorised vehicle owners. If on the wrong one the onus is on you to take care.
I've always being wary of my surroundings since I got my first walkman in the early eighties being a pedestrian and learning to see and check with my eyes it's second nature now and I did used to cycle a lot back then too.
I think think a lot of drivers these days are more precautious because of the zombie nations of youngsters obsessed with their phones etc... even happens walking through the city center.
i see many pedestrians on pelican crossings walk straight across on their green without looking left or right ,I've seen cars go through these not looking at their red lights ,i could not cross a road given a green light or not without looking either way
I know what you mean, and like Margo a pet hate of mine is when pedestrians cross a road and do not use the pedestrian crossing just yards away. If you look at them in an accusing way they look like they think they are always right.
Many today seem to have been brought up by bad parents, and feel they are untouchable and entitled, which means they just stare at you in a impudent manner for simply daring to be there and expecting them to have common sense and good manners.