Traffic Lights and Ignorant Drivers

I often wonder how many drivers have read and understood the Highway Code, a staple element of getting your driving licence in the UK. Every time I go out walking I see numerous violations, some petty but some which are damn right dangerous. But the one which gets me the most is ignorant drivers who don’t understand the traffic light system.

Okay, so firstly I will tell you that I walk with a stick and yes I am slightly slower than most people when walking. But even so part 207 of the Highway Code states “people with disabilities. People with hearing impairments may not be aware of your vehicle approaching. Those with walking difficulties require more time “. Now obviously some drivers have not read this as they seem to ignore the fact that I have walking difficulties and on a couple of occasions have clipped me with their wing mirrors in their haste to get on. Most often to catch up with the queue of traffic 100 metres up the road.

But the thing which gets to me the most is the ignorant drivers who basically ignore the rules on traffic lights. According to the Highway Code “RED means ‘Stop’. Wait behind the stop line on the carriageway” as does “RED AND AMBER also means ‘Stop’. Do not pass through or start until GREEN shows”. It’s the second one of these which most drivers fail to recognize.

I have lost count of the number of times that I have attempted to cross a road using traffic lights and not even got 3 quarters of the way across when the waiting car starts to pull off with me still in their sights. It doesn’t appear to matter that not only have I still got the right of way thanks to the flashing green man but also the fact that even once I have completed crossing the lights aimed at the drivers are still showing “RED AND AMBER”.

Yes I understand that at rush hour drivers are in a hurry get to work but rules are rules and it is even more stupid seeing that all the driver is doing is to catch up to the traffic jam 100 metres down the road. They wouldn’t be any later by waiting till they got the GREEN light as the traffic jam will still be there.

So all you drivers out there who think “RED and AMBER” means pull away from the traffic lights please take a look at your Highway Code.