Highway Code Changes | How to give way to pedestrians safely
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- With the recent changes to the highway code I've had many comments on my videos about how dangerous it is going to be to give way to pedestrians. In this video I take the Tesla to Formby where I look at a few tips to reduce risk for all road users.
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Here in Sweden, pedestrians have had priority for many years now and I only have two issues with it:
1. Many pedestrians now TAKE priority. Meaning they go out in front of cars, busses, semi-trucks, often with the phone to their head and not even looking. Drivers of course need to give them priority, but one mistake here is unfortunately deadly.
2. So many kids have now grown up with the pedestrian priority and thinks that when they sit up on a bike, they got the same priority when crossing on a pedestrian crossings. They don't. Not unless they hop off their bike and walks across. This is unfortunately also deadly.
I’ve been to Sweden. Drivers are very safe and considerate to pedestrians. The rest of the world could learn a lot from Sweden about road safety in my opinion.
"It's part of our job as good drivers to deal with the other idiots." This deserves to be at the heart of any driving safety campaign. It might make a good bumper sticker too. 🙂
My driving instructor told me to think of everyone else on the road as being idiots likely to do the unexpected.
My brother's view is "If people want to be stupid...Let them".
@@antonypalmer5804 And that way, when we slip-up and do something idiotic (and we all do). Other drivers will correct things for us and everyone will stay safe and respectful.
Love the explanations for these, however I think what myself and others are most worried about is other drivers on the road. I'm confident that I can adapt my own driving to follow these new rules but other drives wont and unfortunately that's going to cause accidents. For example stopping on roundabouts to let pedestrians cross, I can plan ahead slow in advance but that wont stop another driver either ploughing into the back of me or driving round me and potentially hitting the pedestrian. Hopefully people will change over the coming years but people are going to be injured or worse in the meantime.
Yes! thinking of some of the displays of dangerous, arrogant driving I have witnessed over the years, there are going to be problems if the minority cannot change.
I would say that's a valid worry, but as I think as you said if you slow gently, before you reach a situation where you are likely to need to give way then you reduce the ramming risk significantly. I'm guessing that's something that you already do in many other situations, for instance turning into a tight side road where you basically have to slow yourself to zero...
@@edj4833 Yeah I 100% agree. Planning well in advance and slowing gently will definitely reduce the risk of these things happening which are things myself and lot of drivers do already. Hopefully more and more people will learn to do the same and the roads can be safer for everyone
I've nearly had a car hit me whilst abiding by the new law. And some irritating little 12 - 14 year old thought it would be smart to just stand in the road looking at oncoming cars, whilst his friends watched him play death games.
I'm not sure this new law was properly thought out. Like brexit it is a hash.
"...or driving round me and potentially hitting the pedestrian." Just watching the Dashcam channels showing drivers ignoring red traffic lights is scary. From Ashley's video I'll try not to give pedestrians the idea that I'm saying it's safe to cross.
This sort of practical demonstration is so valuable. Thank you for your hard work Ashley and sharing your technical expertise. 🙏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
Thank you. I am recommending your channel for people on other vids. Such as Black Belt Barrister because you not only say what the new rules but also show and tell what a good driver should be doing. My wife says my driving has become smoother since I’ve watched your videos.
@Bazzacuda How so? He's very helpful to people because he does a good job of explaining various areas of law. How does that make him annoying in any way?
@Bazzacuda He will Karate chop AND Sue you for saying that..
@Bazzacuda Agreed. Too many gaps in what he says for my liking.
Hate to say it but if your driving as become better after watching a UA-cam video then maybe you were passed incorrectly.
@@8outof10catzDOOMeverybody's driving should improve well past the day they pass their test. Watching the videos of an advanced instructor would definitely contribute to that.
Sadly many people get steadily worse once they don't need to worry about an instructor/ examiner.
I feel like when people go on one of them driving awareness courses they should just watch all your videos the level of detail and education is the best I have ever seen
Test tomorrow wish me luck 🍀
Good luck 🤞
Good luck!
Best of luck to ya!
If you want people to wish you luck then you have not prepared well enough. Trust yourself and you will succeed.
good luck
Hi Ashley,
Went out for a cycle ride on Sunday morning (7 am !). Not much traffic around, but the ones that passed me and my cycling chum passed at a good distance. One driver was impatient, went the right hand side of a keep left bollard so that he wasn't held up waiting for us to pass it!
We cycled 2 abreast (when I could keep up) on the less busy country roads and went single-file when there were vehicles ahead or behind us.
BTW I was taught to drive by my father back in 1972-73. He was a driving instructor in the army. He said that you should always give way to pedestrians.
Many thanks Ashley, this is superb: a truly leading interpretation of this aspect of the changes. It's not that complicated for drivers to observe whether the road engineers have put in the crossing areas, and take them as cues to give way as we must already treat zebra crossings. Top work, and shame on the government for not taking such ownership.
I see this causing a lot of people to get rear ended especially if they stop on their exit of the roundabout to let someone across and the person joining behind them not expecting this and hit their rear. I also see a lot of road rage against the people who follow this rule with people behind them who are ignorant of the changes.
Well it's always been the case that it's the driver who rear-ends the car in front who is liable and whose insurance pays, irrespective of the circumstances. It's a driver's duty of care to ensure that he is at a safe enough distance, and riding at a suitable speed, to be able to stop should anything happen in front of him. When I learned to drive I was taught to anticipate other road users doing unexpected things.
Honestly, I think crossing on a round about is probably the most dangerous place to cross. A lot of round abouts have poor visibility, most vehicles won’t stop to let you cross as well. If a vehicle does stop others might not notice and crash
As ever Ashley, outstanding work and thanks for giving us so much of your time.
This very afternoon, I early got rear ended on a left turn but as you say, car is king is ingrained in our culture...or lack of.
Also, I am adopting your 'creep' technique in the left turn, so that the oncoming turner realises that I am not giving way to him.
For town driving (without horses in the hierarchy ), my mantra is - pedestrian,pedal,metal!
Very Good. @ 10:09 onwards - the lady crossing the road (side road junction) - she still has the good sense to look over her shoulder to check for vehicles turning - and she does so a few steps before she reaches the kerb. That's how it should be done....pedestrians must NEVER assume and step out anyway (even if they do now have priority) - Drivers must must also do better at signalling too so pedestrians know the intention to turn as well. Turn signals are not just for cars behind you!
Spot on. One of the other complaints raised by objectors is that every pedestrian will suddenly feel they can gaily abandon all road sense. Not seen it myself.
Yes, I am hoping the new rules are taken with common sense and it just makes most more aware of peds and their risks. Consider it like a zebra-crossing - you do not just run out into one, you look first and wait for the car to stop or slow right down.
Excellent comment my thoughts exactly, everyone should first look to their own safety and not rely on others.
@@coupsdestylo 😀 gosh I'd almost forgotten all about those Ads from when I was a child....Charlie Says....but seriously, you're right, where was the government sponsored public safety information campaign Ads on TV/UA-cam Etc?
Thanks for this Ashley. I've started implementing the new rules in my driving but its shocking to see how many road users have yet to do so. With the scenario with the 4x4 and you turning left, I would have started making the turn, putting my bonnet into the entrance of the road to show intention but holding back to allow pedestrians to cross.
I really like your approach of treating driving like a set of problems to be solved. It means as you get better you see & solve more problems. You can even measure it. If you solve problems right people smile. It is a reward in itself.
Firstly, may I start Ashley, by saying how much I enjoy watching your channel. As a driver of over forty years, one can never stop learning. I’m sure I can easily adapt to the changes of the Highway Code, it proves that if everyone considers each other on the road it will become a much safer and happier experience in driving. It’s giving us more to think about, which isn’t a bad thing either. In a nut shell everyone needs to slow down, concentrate more and consider other road users.
Clearly we are reading the same page as each other Ashley. Thank you for this video, you deliver your/our message much clearer than I could on camera. This how I’m explaining things to my pupils and the feedback from them is initially very positive. They see, when it’s explained, the real benefit from the Highway Code ‘tweaks’. I’d like to post this on my totaldrive app for all my pupils to watch.
Well done in explaining things as always in a sensible rational way
👍
16:45 “are cyclists going to nip round the inside? Yeah. Should they? No…”
Absolutely worth spelling out the message that we sometimes have to fix other people’s mistakes for them - watching out for that cyclist for example.
But also worth pointing out that it may not always be a mistake. Because if we assume it is, it can lead to misunderstanding.
In that instance, for example, you gave way to 2 pedestrians, the latter walking left to right. _If_ the cyclist had filtered to your left, he could* be in a position to pass safely (because he’s not causing the pedestrian to alter course/speed, and the pedestrian had cleared the cyclist’s route through) while you were still allowing the pedestrian to clear your course. He is also balancing his risk of being exposed as a vulnerable road user on the roundabout. Filtering through has inherent risks and additional considerations: how much can the cyclist see of the path ahead (eg a 3rd ped from either side); has the cyclist taken into account space between your left wing and the kerb if you start moving and arc left.
* or it could still be unsafe. This isn’t about saying the cyclist is perfectly entitled to filter come what may. But as you explained, he may do anyway; and it is worth considering that he has a different set of circumstances to consider, and we may not be able to assimilate those reasons. That’s why we should try to avoid casting blame as we drive.
I got marked down as a fault on my Hgv test for not checking the nearside mirror for cycles on pulling forward in traffic, however I'd jammed the wheels up close to the kerb to stop cyclists creeping up the nearside.
And just to be a git, I do that now still in the car, can't squash em if they can't undertake you.
There's one other scenario that no one else seems to have mentioned (except briefly by one person way down in the comments). As a pedestrian, I've waited for a line of cars to pass before crossing, and the last one in the line - with nothing at all behind them - has stopped and waved me across. There was absolutely no need for them to stop as I could have crossed more safely (arguably) once they'd driven past me. So I now stand well back from the crossing point until I see a big enough gap coming up. As a driver, I'll stop for that person waiting if there is traffic behind me, but not if I think they can cross more safely after I've gone.
You should now give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at junctions even if there is nothing behind you. Think what might happen if the pedestrian decides to cross just as you get to him and you hit him. You would be at fault as its the law to give way to pedestrians who have started to cross.
@@simonavarne9635 surely if you're entering a junction correctly you'd have enough time to stop if a pedestrian stepped out?
@@micheals1992 Is it really worth the risk to gain half a second?
I'm sure many pedestrians will hold back because it's quicker to let one car drive past than waiting to see if the car's slowing down for you. From a pedestrian POV I'd much rather wait a few seconds than stop a HGV.
@@colinprice1 The rule change is for drivers not pedestrians. Some pedestrians may wait some might not. In either case the rules now state that drivers should give way
Very well explained Ashley, and yes when out Cycling I definitely have noticed drivers giving me more room when passing, so that’s a massive thank you from me.
Hi,today I have passed my practical test on first attempt with one minor 😊 Thank you so much for your videos as they have been very helpful on my driving journey.I will keep watching your videos to be a better driver.
Great job!
love to top gear reference on the end what a classic
Excellent video. Thank you Neal. I am from a different country and your video has certainly improved my driving experience in the UK.
That was a lot of time spent on our behalf. A big thanks. I was kind of thinking of 15 yds / ms when you spoke of crossing zones and their proximity to junctions. Like the old 'don't park closer than 15 yds to a junction'.
It's interesting that you've taken "At a junction you should give way to pedestrians..." to include roundabouts. I'd taken it to just mean regular junctions, as there is nothing else in the roundabout section (184-190) to say you should do this. It could be potentially dangerous to give way when there are multiple lanes on an approach to a roundabout as another vehicle could come past and not be seen be the pedestrian. It will also make it very interesting navigating Swindon's magic roundabout!!
There are separate rules for junctions and roundabouts in HWC. H2 is only mentioned in regard to junctions covered by rules 170-183.
so the rule is a should, rather than a must, then?
@@SPTSuperSprinter156 Yes, it's should not must - I don't believe there is any change in the law so you won't be stopped if you don't give way although courts and insurance companies may use the HC to apportion blame/negligence in the event of a collision. My personal interpretation of the changes is that they don't give pedestrians priority, but the motorist should offer it when it is safe to do so.
I don’t think this will be a problem at the magic roundabout. There are no paths crossing the roundabouts for pedestrians and there are light controlled crossings on the 4 main exits with the other exit into a quiet residential area just having a standard crossing.
I surprised Ashley has said that as well and for the same reasons as you. I'm also surprised that he makes a difference between situations that have pedestrian 'ramps' for want of a better word (he calls them crossing areas) and those which don't because as far as I'm aware there is no such differentiation in The Code.
Whilst cycling, I pull far left of the lane if I need to yield for a crossing pedestrian. Leaving ample room for motorists to pass me.
More of a safety precaution, so I'm not rear-ended.
Following your advice thank you. You make it clear. I did however see a group of people waiting to cross at a roundabout where a police car, no blues and twos went straight over Doh!!!!
Must admit the main video quality is exceptional. Love the way you have numerous cameras around you whilst driving.
19:40 My assessment would be to not give way and it would be down to people to find their own way across. As stopping on green lights is more likely to cause more confusion than not. If the intention is to have signalised crossings where cars give way, then it would have to be something akin to what I've seen in Barcelona with flashing yellow lights when you're turning left or right.
Thank you Ashly. You gave me a new perspective on subjects which I thought I was already aware of. It will help to make me a safer driver going forward.
Very useful video, because I would have got the roundabout scenario wrong, I didn't know that a roundabout was classed as a junction in the new rules.
I am just a pedestrian and I found this video educational and informative thank you
Very helpful and informative. Thank you.
Hi Ashley, that's a really well put together informative video, you should be thanked. As a driver of commercial vehicles for 30 years now, Artics and coaches, I think the lack of education for road users prior to these new rules coming into force is shocking. Where are the public information films and so on we used to get. They clearly spelt out all the new changes. Our own industry has said nothing about these changes either, so where is the theoretical advice. Yes, I have read the new rules in the Highway Code, but they do leave alot to your interpretation, especially as there are no diagrams to show various situations.
As a driver of large vehicles there are situations which we handle differently to a car driver, like turning into and out of side roads for instance, our road positioning is very different. One example comes immediately to mind. I am heading down a town high street, it's a single lane each side of the road. It's very busy so speed is low, and there is alot of traffic. I have to turn right into a narrow side road to access a car park to make a delivery. Firstly I have to wait for a gap in the traffic approaching me, now I have to wait for all the padestrians to cross, it's a busy high street remember, and that turn has a dropped curb so it's a crossing place. once all the padestrians have crossed my gap in the traffic has disappeared..................You can see this could situation repeating over and over.
Anyway sorry for such a long comment..........I think you explained things very well and made even my mind clearer about different situations.
All the best Dave.
Great content, Iv been driving for 20+ years car and higher categories but still watch these videos for good advice, you never stop learning to drive when surroundings and rules change.
As mainly a pedestrian, I have had a mixed response locally, as when standing on a mid road refuge just off a roundabout exit and been given priority. Today, in a similar situation at an entrance to Sainsburys, a van just carried on.
It is early days so I am still treating each situation with caution as if before the change of Code.
Perhaps Ashley, you could walk around part of your route to notice any change in driver behaviour towards you and other pedestrians.
From a pedestrian perspective, I’m only going to take a risk of crossing in front of something unless it’s possible to communicate with it’s driver visibly. It can work during daylight, but dodgy after dark. Load of us do not wear HV clothing on every occasion on the roads as well.
"Should" give way and not "Must".
Plus, I wouldn't take my chances on foot with a van driver.
@@johnkeepin7527 I came to say this. I always try and make eye contact or read body language of a driver but we can't always see them? Sun glare, poor lighting, and at nighttime all we see is your head lights. The amount of times I've been trying to cross and been waved or flashed only to realise they hadn't clocked me and actually they were waving a driver out of a junction or street.
Recently in a HGV turning left into a residential area ( only way to my drop ) . I stopped on the main road indicating left for a pedestrian to cross the junction I was going down . I noted in my drivers side mirror two cars behind moving out to go around me, I'd assume thinking I was stopping although I was close to the white line to make the turn. The pedestrian had noticed a car making it's way towards the junction from the side road and stopped in the road unsure of what to do. The car continued and therefore blocked my turn believing I was letting him / her out . I sounded my horn to warn the car not to come out and gestured stay there as the vehicles behind were now passing me into what was a potential collision situation. I waited until all had completed their respective manoeuvres and no harm was done.
The education needed was in all the car drivers in this example . The pedestrian read the situation throughout and kept themselves safe . I'm no angel just probably more aware of my vehicle size and the damage it could do.
Very useful - I was already doing most of this, however could have done ‘more of it’ so to speak. However now, the new changes just mean I have to do more of it, so for me it’s no massive change and you’re right Ashley, it’s only people’s impatience and poor driving that will create issues from these changes.
Very helpful, visual video. Yes, as a cyclist I am going to be concerned about being rear ended. I am lucky in that most of the roads I go on have cycle paths. If I see a pedestrian on junction, I will look behind me to see if the motorist is tailgating me
Thanks Ashley. This video has been really useful in clearing up some confusion I had with the new rules.
You should be paid by the DfT as an advisor, because their introduction of the changes has been woefully inadequate and yours are much clearer. Thanks.
So glad you covered the car turning right at 17.31. I was getting ready to ask how do you stop the driver turning right assuming you’re giving way to them & not the pedestrian at your left turn. Since the changes that has always been a worry of mine that I’d give way to the pedestrian but a vehicle turning right might not notice the pedestrian & mows them down 😬
Mind you it’s always been a bug bear of mine when people change the rules of the road to be “courteous” because 9 times out of 10 they’re causing an issue for traffic behind them or worse there’s sod all behind them & I know I can turn if they just continued but now Karen/Ken are getting their knickers in a twist because I didn’t immediately cross their path on their say so with a flash of their lights which incidentally I think I’m the only person driving who knows what a flash of the headlights is actually for lol.
Top video Ash 👍🏼
Passed my test partly thanks to these videos. Cheers, Ashley :)
Yay, Johann.
Great video and great explanations. I'm going to bookmark this one to link to people who seem to be a bit hard of understanding about taking care of more vulnerable people.
On the scenario with the 4WD, I'm not sure if it would be correct, but i think I would probably try to get far enough into the junction that they are essentially blocked by me and then give way to the pedestrian(s). I'm not 100% certain how that would work out until I see it in real life but that's my current thinking
Great informative video. I notice how difficult it can be to find a pedestrian to practice on during lesson. Of course these lessons are in quieter suburb areas compared to major cities. I would love to see a similar video by someone in say London, where, particularly during the summer times, (lots of tourists) how difficult it would be to get across zebra crossing and un controlled junction turns and emerges, when often it is so busy that no sooner as you would give way to pedestrians, others would be at the crossing. I reckon you would be there all day 'giving way'. As for cyclists in London, well, lets keep them in the cycle lanes and prosecute them for red light offences, as we do with motorists!!
Thanks for your calm insight 👍😁 Like many, I drive, cycle and walk. I'd love to see you collaborate with a cyclist and pedestrian as you film, to highlight each others thoughts during a manoeuvre. I was honked by a driver for not crossing when he gave way, but I could see a cat about to run into the road Infront of me. The driver couldn't see it. I indicated thanks, but no thanks, and got two fingers response! I think we have to stop telling each other what to do, and concentrate on our own actions, some people are really bossy! But many are great, I really appreciate that, respect for their skillful handling 👍
Thanks for the help Ash you have clearly shown what needs to be done. Also loving the Jeremy Clarkson catchphrase on that bombshell.
I've not lived in the UK for a few years, soon I'll be moving back. Been seeing others talk about theses rules I was getting confused. But the way you have said this is really good.
This was so helpful! allowed me to gain a completed different perception on the new rules. Great as always
In some city centres there is streets that are so jam packed with pedestrians shopping and crossing you could be sat waiting for a very long time at a junction with drivers behind becoming very impatient, could you perhaps show us a busy street like that and how you’d deal with it?
It will be interesting in summer in places that get busy like seaside towns, like you say. But as for the driver behind me getting irate, I just think, "What would you like me to do ... mow them down?" 😂
Nice vid. With regard to the 4x4 near the end of the vid, by you pulling forward with your left lock on, you can cover (block the 4x4 access/shield the pedestrians) the junction/pedestrians (had there been any). The only time that this wont work is that in East London/Ilford the locals will use the other lane to drive around you!
15:10 'that was me being nice and me being kind...' and not running her over for the hell of it.
One thing that seems to be going over a lot of impatient motorists heads and this video really sums up well is just how infrequent and of little inconvenience to time these situations actually are!
Even when specifically out looking for said scenarios Ashley came across very few and had to resort to explaining what "could" happen in any particular place.
Location will obviously vary but for anyone that doesn't spend all day out on the road this is going to be a rare dealing!
The mass hysteria would have you believing you're going to have to stop and wait at every entrance and exit and it's just not the case.
If drivers looked further then the end of thier noses and maintained a safe following distance it wouldn't be as big of a concern as it seems to be!
I agree it just requires drivers to be more vigilant in watching out for other road users, which is never a bad thing
Interesting you are looking out for pedestrian crossing areas, as in dropped kerbs, I cross at junctions all the time without using the dropped kerb because most are poorly placed a few yards from the junction which also means they can be out of sight from drivers on the road I'm actually walking down.
Dropped curbs with tactile pavements are placed on the straight part of the junction to help blind people go straight across, if they were on the bend people are more likely to lose contact with the tactile pavement.
I've been looking at any information about these Highway Code changes for several months and, until this video, thought that the pedestrians crossing change only applied to entry into a road, be it a junction or exiting a roundabout. However, you're including any footpath that has a change of surface which suggests it's a safer place to cross. There’s only one place that I’ve always done this, this one is very wide and clear.
For years I’ve given way to pedestrians where there is an island, but I’m concerned that if I stop on a road without an island that they could then be vulnerable to drivers coming from the other direction as it’s not a zebra crossing.
Brilliant clip Ashley.
A few thoughts. I’ve always held to the adage. “In town slow down”. I’ve found that with this principle I can read and anticipate what’s happening around me and drive accordingly. Over the last two weeks when driving I’ve had no issues in giving way to pedestrians at crossings quite simply because I’ve been looking out for them and have already in my mind a buffer zone in order to protect them.
The situation with the 4x4 I would creep forward sufficiently to block the junction, allow the ped to cross and shield them. If I was approaching on my bike I would filter on the offside as I could see the driver committed to a left turn and it would be madness to filter to the nearside if I was turning I would simply join the waiting vehicles.
As a cyclist stopping to allow the pedestrian to cross once stopped I would use the slow down hand signal to alert drivers behind. Do they actually teach these hand signals any more?
As a cyclist regarding safe passing I think a clearer statement would be to fully use the other lane when safe to do so. Even with a rider in secondary position the overtaking vehicle would need to be pretty much 2/3rds over the white line at the very least.
Your final scenario of the junction without a request button I would suggest the priority given would be from the drivers waiting to join the main carriageway as a best practice. This is maybe a skill that instructors could teach new drivers.
Finally over the last few weeks I have actually scene a marked improvement in behaviour towards me as a cyclist when overtaking and approaching traffic calming measures. I am though experiencing an increase in drivers sitting less than a car length from my back wheel which is pretty nerve racking.
Again thanks for this clip. Your tips and synopsis are definitely more balanced and informative than some of the other stuff out there.
@Advanced Driving yeah. I probably shouldn’t assume that others would be familiar with this form of signalling.
When I did my driving theory test that included hand signals for drivers, both slowing down and turning left and right, left turn being a circular motion. I think these are for emergency use if your indicator or brake lights are broken.
Nice one @AshleyNeal. I'd be very interested to see you try this in a more high speed rural environment though (e.g. a national speed limit roundabout with an exit onto a dual carriageway or top of a motorway slip road). I know there is certainly one near me where I would be very conscious of being rear ended if I were to stop at the exit to give way to a pedestrian (especially if they didn't realise the priority order).
Excellent video this with lots of detailed and practical examples for road users to learn from. As Ashley is obviously an 'influencer' in this sphere it would be good to see the same type of video reprised on a semi-regular basis. I'm mainly a cyclist as a road user, I can't say I've really noticed a difference in the way people have driven around me recently but I do believe these changes will make a real positive difference over time. The fact they require motorists (and other road users) to exercise greater caution, more observation and slower speeds will I think make roads safer and more pleasant at least once the changes filter through to peoples' consciousness. I liken it to the way motorists seem to become more considerate when traffic lights are temporarily out of order at a busy junction and everyone suddenly becomes more observant and careful.
9:00 Spot on! This is the whole purpose of the law I personally do believe myself. Force slow down, make the towns more liveable for people. Love your videos, as always =) (the real "rant" is at 9:15 )
Thanks for sharing, Ashley. It certainly has helped in clarifying this new rule. As you said pedestrians will a bit hesitant as you give them way. I've had this a couple of times. I think that any drivers behind you, who are not patient or tolerant of this rule, will become a problem. But hopefully not, only time will tell. My main concern is, and has been since I passed my test last year, is the pedestrians who wander onto the road without proper observations.
11:22 do you not flash your lights or make a gesture with your arm?
Ashley you should get the glasses that track your eye moments and show on screen, be cool to see where a driving instructor is looking and at what times, how far down the road etc
Look forward to hearing the final verdict on the last junction, it is in need of clarification. How the average pedestrian will understand what to do is another matter but the driver must know.
This is absolutely brilliant. I can't lie, I was confused at first read of the new rules. Much of the changes only feel like rewording something that should already be part of a sensible driver's philosophy. I.e. hazard perception would say a pedestrian at a junction, might step out... so you SHOULD be ready to give way to them, should they do that... the word SHOULD is still there which is what means this isn't the chaos the media is making it out to be. A good driver will know in a given situation if they can safely give priority to a pedestrian. If they can't, that's not in breach of the highway code. I think the rule is just trying to calm folk into approaching junctions safely. That's it.
Being ready to give way to a pedestrian as you have spotted a hazzard is very different to stopping and allowing them to cross, if they don’t look like they are stepping about and they have looked at you, then keep going.
@@aquanick2001 Yep, nothing I said above contradicts that.
Thanks for the clarification about roundabouts, that was a very grey area for me, partly due to the lack of clarity and a graphical example in the highway code.
Regarding cyclist passing distance, there have been some campaigns on this for some time and in my experience, most drivers give a good distance and I can't honestly say I've seen any change since the new rules came into effect.
The DOT haven’t covered themselves in glory regarding these major changes in the Highway Code have they.
Glad you've done a lengthy video on this Ashley. I look forward to watching it when I get chance.
I must say this is the one rule change/addition that I am most concerned about and wish they hadn't introduced, both as a pedestrian (primarily) and a driver (secondarily), because I think it'll result in more accidents not fewer. But I'm aware you probably disagree with that assessment, and I respect your opinion, so I'll be watching the video with an open mind.
You prefer to be treated as a second class citizen as a pedestrian and want your journeys to take longer?
@@sammydemon666 the way you've phrased your question is so ridiculously slanted and over the top that I'm quite sure anything I could have said in response would have fallen on deaf ears. You really felt like a second class citizen prior to the rule change, outraged at the idea of spending a couple of seconds waiting for a vehicle to clear before you safely crossed a road? Yikes.
@@NIN2277 Dunga bunga
Got any clarification on roundabouts yet? as there is no mention of giving way at roundabouts in the HWC including the roundabouts section. BTW this isnt me trying to get out of giving way at them. Its just that I dont think they have fully clarified it yet. If we do have to give way it should be really clear in the roundabouts section.
Did I hear that right? (1:02 to 1:17). The Department of Transport saying that the changes to the Highway Code are "down to interpretation" and that a lot of interpretations are wrong?
How on earth can they think it's OK to change the rules for conduct in hazardous environments but not be definitive in the language used? They have done a very sloppy job, and have acknowledged it in that email.
Thank you, Ashley for your excellent efforts in trying to make sense of this. I wish you had been the one writing the rules.
Very good Ashley. Thanks for the clarification.
One of the clearest demonstrations so far, thanks.
I'm still telling my kid to wait until there's a clear gap before crossing. It's all well and good the lead car giving way, but what about the one behind, or the motorcycle/cyclist flying past him that doesn't? If pedestrian safety is the aim of these changes I'm not sure that will be achieved.
I look forward to your rant about touch screens. I've only ever had one, as a hire car, and realised I was taking my eyes off the road far too much. Controls should be tactile, so that the driver can reach for them without looking. Right... Back to the watching...
I'm glad you asked about the experience of Cyclists since the code changes. I have two perspectives here, both as a cyclist and someone who has driven in Cambridge a few times since the changes came in.
With driving in Cambridge, I've always been extra courteous around cyclists as I know too well how it can feel to be on a bike in traffic, but unfortunately I've seen no change with the way people are driving around them in general, which is a shame. Cambridge is the only city in the country where more than half of the population regularly cycles, and you'd think people would be better. I had someone tailgating me, visibly impatiently whilst I was waiting for a safe opportunity to overtake a bike. There's no chance they'd have waited.
With cycling, I am seeing more people give me more space. This is very positive, but unfortunately the dangerous passes have not reduced. Those who made the effort before the changes are the ones giving me more space now, the ones who never cared don't care what the new rules may state.
Clear video again. Everyone that ever leaves their house needs to see these two bits: 9:04 and 13:35
Cycling.
I was out around town and the Cheshire lanes the weekend of the new rules.
Car drivers definitely felt more generous than previously.
Whilst I agree with a lot of what you said I have to say that the new rules have definitely created confusion and grey areas, as you acknowledged, that did not exist in the old rules. This is really a very poor state of affairs. New updated rules should never be a backwards step in regards to safety and these definitely are, although to a much lesser degree than many others would want us to believe.
When you have to say that, despite the actual wording (or lack of) in the rules, we should all just use common sense and there won't be any problems, then the rules are poorly drafted. And this is a very important point, because it is those rules that a judge will be using in a court when something goes wrong. Not a common sense approach!
These new rules really should not leave a single grey area or any lack of clarity at all. I really can't think of any such example in the old rules, so that says it all.
Are you new to Government guidance? :)
@@CrazedFandango no, but I do live in hope!
You should come to London and do a pedestrian POV when crossing the road. The number of cars/moped delivery literally driving/riding through zebra crossing whilst pedestrians are on the crossing is shocking and even when pedestrians are in the middle of the road crossing, cars literally zoom past without giving way. It’s a weird place in London, where everyone is King of the Road.
I got a takeaway tonight and had to cross the road to get to my car. The traffic was very slow moving but no one let me cross until the traffic stopped. It was raining heavily and I was worried my chips are gonna get soggy!
@@nadim2769 The necessities in life
@@nadim2769 Uber drivers are the worst, they're always in their own little world and love parking on bus stops or reversing from a side street onto the main road into fast-moving traffic.
@@umbrellaman08 I know I've been driving for 1.5 year. They always do dodgy maneuvers. I try and keep away
Great work covering what has been a poorly communicated update. My main concern with this update is getting rear-ended. Not by me leaving things late and stopping sharply, but by people not expecting a stop and not watching for one - just takes a second or two of people looking another way while approaching a turn or entering / leaving a roundabout. I see late reactions all the time as it is.
That won't be your fault of course - people will have to learn.
@@aryanbilakhia9842 tell that to my back when I'm rear ended - like happened at a junction Friday (although not because of the new rules on this occasion). I'd rather not be a guinea pig for them learning.
Thank you for this video explaining the changes, I live in Sweden. Over here the other issue with those on foot and bicycle is that nearly every single person no matter age or anything else wears fully and solidly black with high pigmentation of the kind that absorbs light, is too self-important to have reflexes on their person or their bicycle, and absolutely cannot be bothered turning on their lights if their bicycle is equipped in such a way, and believes in full that any driver will be able to see them from far beyond braking distance even if they cross over a 70kph six lane road. Lives are lost and cars are damaged. Then there's the global "I'm on me phone, sod off" jaywalking syndrome...................
I’ve been out cycling a few times since the new rules came into force and have definitely noticed a change. I’ve had many more giving way to me and passing with plenty of space or patiently waiting behind me on narrow country lanes until a suitable passing place is reached so I think the message is getting through. I have always slowed and pulled in when I’ve had a car behind me and reached a good passing place, just so it doesn’t put the driver under pressure to ensure they have a good gap on a narrow road. Just because I don’t have to doesn’t mean I won’t.
I am being very cautious at junctions. I have had a couple of occasions where I have been on a cycle path and come to a crossing at a junction or roundabout and cars have just gone through and probably not even noticed me even though I have a Hi-Viz jacket and flashing lights. No sense in laying squashed in the road and being in the right!
Bi cyclists read uninsured road users
@@fnkwhite6382 There are plenty of car drivers out there uninsured and they can cause a lot more damage than a cyclist.
@@fnkwhite6382 yawn! A lot of cyclists will have insurance as a cyclist and as a motorist.
@@mattsmith4605 YAWN facts dont support that claim insurance company, show that less than one in a thousand Bi cyclists have third party public liability insurance , and if they drive a car yes there car will be insured but that does not cover there cycle .
@@BDX55 True lot of uninsured drivers not as many as uninsured Bi cyclists, and car drivers when in an accident do do far more damage in that instance , but Bi cyclists are like locusts they do minor damage to a vehicle or a pedestrian and just ride on , an accident but with no way to identify a rider there is no recourse the police will not record the incident as an RTA.
The Highway Code distinguishes between junctions and roundabouts. In my opinion these new rules do not apply to roundabouts.
I agree, On approach to a roundabout it is reasonable but not on the exit as the traffic merges into the gap behind at the speed of the flow of traffic on the roundabout, braking at the exit is dangerous. Assuming that suddenly every driver is considerate and patient is unfortunately delusional.
I disagree. Roundabout Rule 187 specifically tells drivers to give room to pedestrians crossing the entry & exits of roundabouts. It always has. The reason being the roundabout is considered a separate circular carriageway, distinct from the carriageways that adjoin it. Whenever you turn from one carriageway into another, you must always give way to anyone or anything established in that carriageway.
The highway code has EXTRA rules in for roundabouts, but also explicitly states that roundabouts are junctions. If you're having to question if a roundabout is a junction then honestly I'm not sure you should be on the road.
@@UKMonkey The roundabout is a circle of moving traffic with traffic accelerating to merge at different points, if someone brakes at an exit the concertina effect creates multiple hazards around the roundabout for no reason. A roundabout is a Type of junction but they have different rules to a T junction with a stop line.
Thanks for the video ash, this definitely helped clear up a few things for me 👍.
You're right about how poorly the changes have been communicated. If I didn't watch your videos I would honestly never even know that the highway code had changed
I have been pleasantly surprised already by the number of drivers being polite or following these new instructions, probably the later. As a driver, this is empowering to do things I thought were right anyway and dont need to feel "wrong" for doing so. I think quite simple to follow, those who speed, think they have rights etc will have the problems. The only problem as a pedestrian is cant always see the driver with some screen layouts, hey ho, do my normal show intention to cross and see if their speed reduces.
I think the important part really is that the rules for pedestrians crossing at junctions is a ‘should’ rule and not a ‘must’.
If I have a clear exit and don’t need to come to a complete stop with cars behind I wouldn’t unless they’ve stepped onto the road already but if I have no one behind or they are a reasonable way behind me or I have no gap to turn immediately I would stop and wait for them to cross.
A lot does depend on the speed of the major road and the vehicles behind. Contrary to what others are saying, I'd be happier coming to a halt if the vehicles were close behind (not tailgating, but that's still doable) than if they were some distance away. My experience in turning off a NSL road into my lane, which is a sharp, blind and consequently very slow turning, is that those some distance behind are the ones whose skids you tend to hear because they're not paying attention, whereas I can shephard the ones closer to me by slowing steadily and indicating early.
@Follow the howl I tend to as it controls the situation, a car speeding up the road to where I am waiting will see me in a car more than it might see a pedestrian crossing or maybe even a car turning into a road in front of me.
I can ensure that at least on my side of the road that pedestrian has safe passage, there could be a blind corner before that junction for example where they may think it’s clear but someone comes speeding round just after me.
It’s all situational though as is all driving but I like to think it’s just looking out for others.
I have to say, there has been an explosion of very interesting comments and debate on this channel recently, as a result of the HC changes & the topics Ash has chosen to video. That's not to say comments weren't interesting prior to that (!) but I find everyone's thoughts and experiences quite fascinating reading of late.
I'm happy with these new rules but it would be good to know whether a roundabout is counted as a junction though
So to summarise then basically we all need to just drive a bit more considerately and wherever possible avoid running over pedestrians and knocking cyclists off.
I learned to drive in 2014 - 2015 and I was told and taught to give way to pedestrians crossing the road at a junction, in reality its never happened because no one wants to cross when a car is turning in.
The way you said everyone is like car bassed is so common. This is something though that some countries do have in law though like I found out when I went on holiday to America you can get fined for just crossing the road wrong. I only just found out from my family because I was a teenager. But still, in the UK it's different
It's funny when Americans ask if 'Jay walking' is illegal in the UK.
Came across your video via my Google News Feed. ABSOLUTELY SPOT ON MATE IN EVERY WAY. I'm a white van man, delivering in Southern England (often Central London).
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE HOW YOU'D MANAGE IN CENTRAL LONDON around midday... and I know others would love it too. Genuinely, I believe the huge number of poor road users and oblivious pedestrians is the ULTIMATE CHALLENGE for these new Highway Code updates... even though the average speed limit is around 9mph in Central London.
Also, I have a question (real life scenario).
As you approach a junction, turning left, you notice a pedestrian stood still at the kerb side on their phone but standing with their back to the road.
Do I stop and attempt communication to determine their next steps?
Just wait an indeterminate amount of time until they make their move?
Or risk the left turn very slowly, with caution, expecting the pedestrian to turn 180 and step out without warning?
Or something else?
I chose to drop my passenger-side window and asked him loudly (as the ambient noise was high) to kindly move one way or the other. He decided to cross the road, signalling his displeasure with my chosen communication style by giving me the finger and spitting on my van.
I drove off with a smile and a wave, only to be confronted by a similar issue at the very next junction... Two pedestrians, one with an empty pushchair and a child (pedestrian) holding her hand, both stood chatting, drinking coffee, right next to the kerb. Not wanting any further abuse, I chose to wait, with my indicator blinking, in the hopes they would move on at some point. This resulted in some vehicles behind me honking their horns, revving their engines and giving unpleasant hand-signals... Eventually the commotion alerted the pedestrians of my intention to turn left at which point the pedestrians, irritated, ushered me hurriedly past. I slowly and cautiously made my turn paying extra attention to the small child who by this point was no longer holding anyone's hand. What would you have done?
Also, you mention the risk of cyclists riding into the back of vehicles that brake sharply (you say due to poor drivers being taken unaware at junctions) what about because occasionally pedestrians just run out into the road without warning, without a designated crossing or even at a junction... like a 6 year old running out to catch their ball? Only inexperienced, or poor cyclists wouldn't leave enough braking distance between themselves and the road users in front to avoid an incident? Maybe cyclists need a "Riding Test", Minimum Age Limit and Pay Insurance for occasions they want to use public ROADS???
Before these new rules changes were introduced, I would always proceed with caution at junctions or passing parked cars, reducing speed appropriately... just to give myself extra time to react to potential issues...If all drivers obeyed the new rules it'd be great I'm sure... but while they're not, and while a minority of pedestrians feel empowered to cross at junctions, regardless of oncoming traffic (as I have already witnessed multiple times since the rule changes), I feel there will be only one unfortunate outcome, more pedestrian injuries (and worse). I worry mostly about children.
Also, when pedestrians are now walking straight out in front of road users, the looks you get for jamming on your brakes is beyond a joke.
Excellent video; really informative. Thank you
The fact that they have made changes already after a few days shows that it was never thought out and evaluated properly.
The changes were made between publication of the draft at the end of the consultation period and before their implementation on 29 Jan. All changes were made prior to them being codified in the regulations.
@@mdcollins1984 this is not what I heard. The rules on overtaking cyclists described by Ashley in this latest video are different from what was being published on the Government website immediately before the changes came into effect.
I've been watching a few youtube channels and a barrister i watch got an interesting point that guide dogs are told not to move until the road is clear so if a blind person is waiting to cross and you stop, no one is going to move.
a point that bears mentioning. where I live, it is customary to give a pedestrian an acknowledgement when giving priority. this is typically just a nod when you make eye contact. this lets them know that you see them and are not just looking through them. I think it also goes towards encouraging a cooperative mindset instead of a competitive one.
That potential situation you describe at 17:22 is one of the most worrying aspects of the new rules. I think what I what do in such a scenario if I was in your position would be to get as close to the corner as possible while still indicating to the pedestrians that I am giving way to them. By being at or slightly round the corner there is no way the traffic turning right should mistake my actions as giving way to them. Like you have said many times it is very subtle signals that can mean an awful lot in such situations. Thanks for such a well put together and informative video Ashley.
From this video I picked up that indicating to pedestrians, particularly where there's no island, is unwise. They may assume you're saying "it's safe to cross", whereas there may be traffic coming from the other direction.
@@robertsprigge5535 Very true. I would not beckon them to cross, only indicate by slowing down and stopping that I am giving way to them. It is still their responsibility to make sure others are too.
I've just spent a week cycling in Spain. I'm not sure of thier highway codes but people there generally drive more considerate to other road users. I'm sure they manage fine with the hierarchy system. People just simply need to change attitudes
Think europe in general has better drivers than the UK.
I agree 100%. The rules are there to tell you who has priority. Priority being a key word. They decide who goes. So a ped who’s unsure should either give you priority or they wait to check it’s clear before they take it, whilst you are giving them space and time to decide ( rem they have the priority to do this). Anticipating pedestrians at junctions mean slowing earlier looking and planning for stopping gently to control behinds speed. Caring whether you endanger pedestrians is important and has been neglected. Changing driver behaviour is the aim now, slow down early looking ahead/ behind/ to sides gives full awareness of others around and slows your car once your brain registers what’s there.
Thanks the video filling the dft public information film gap. The point you make are the same I’ve been tossing about, I read and reread the rules regarding lights and roundabouts my final interpretation was light controlled junctions hadn’t changed and I flip flopped with roundabouts eventually interpreting the rule for roundabouts hadn’t changed, I not you mention crossing points not all crossing points have dropped sections is that how you have determined if you give way or not especially roundabouts? Thanks.
Excellent video and some really interesting and thoughtful comments. One of my main take aways from the rule changes is to try to reduce my approach speed to roundabouts and improve my observations of my intended exit so I can give way to pedestrians safely if required. It's what I should have been doing anyway and was hopefully doing a reasonable job of most of the time. But I could always look to improve and not just be obsessed with whether I need to give way to motor vehicles from the right, or look for a gap to go without taking into account the whole picture. Keep up the great work Ashley, what you do is important.
Great breakdown of the changes, and the problems.
Hi Ashley, Two quick questions, one to do with the new Highway code changes and one that is not. If you have already covered these please accept my apologies in advance, thanks.
(1) Under the new highway code rules, when exiting a normal sized roundabout if there is a central island with people waiting in the middle of the road that you want to take, should you stop on the roundabout and let them cross, or should you safely exit the roundabout to keep traffic flowing.
(2) If you are waiting in queuing traffic and a motorcycle / cyclist is filtering, ie going in between lanes on dotted white lines (they are allowed to do this), if there is an accident who's fault is it ?, the car for moving in the lane, after first checking the mirrors and any blind spots ? or the motorcycle / cyclist for riding in between queuing vehicles. Thanks.
You would've thought in the day and age of UA-cam, where you can easily find the most popular driving education-related content creators like Ashley, that the people changing these rules would have thought about reaching out to some of them for consultation.
There was a public consultation. However, you need to know that in matters of legislation and rules, consultations are an insignificant method of judging changes. The public are usually an extremely biased and usually, extremely wrong source of data. That is why you do not really see large public consultations on anything, unless it goes to a vote.