Ignorance of HIghway Code or just plain rude?

[j1_69]

I think that nowadays people are just ignoring the Highway Code and OTHER drivers when driving.

I live in South London and people just come onto the main road from the side road as if I weren't there. Same with roundabouts.

I personally think its vicious cycle because everyone is busy and cos no-one gives way anymore people tend to just butt in. Which in turn makes people annoyed by that and not give way..thus creating the mentined cycle.

Some people just tend to wave their hand as to say thanx and just come in anyway regardless of whether I've stopped, and some don't even say thanx or sorry when I've given way or they've just butted in!

What has today's society become?

[j1_69]

Its not even a case of the rulebook, but just basic consideration for other road users. Is it not?

[sddsddean]

I have noticed this a lot in the last year or so. People just pull out and assume you will stop. I drive a 32 tonne tipper and in just this year (last 3 months) I have had 3 very close calls. You can't stop 32T on a sixpence! I just don't know what these people are thinking. And its not just me; people pull out in front of cars as well. I think they have a death wish or need glasses!

[Postdog]

Can't say I've noticed this at junctions, but for many years now I have encountered similar bad behaviour at mini roundabouts. There have been instance where I have had right of way, but another car is approaching so fast, I know if I entered it, I'd just get broadsided. Having right of way is all very well, but a smashed up car - or worse - is not worth proving the point.

[PhilBy]

So very true Postdog, I have ridden motorcycles for nigh on 40yrs and I have only survived because I treat all other road users as either blind or just down right evil souls who are intent on causing me harm.

j1_69 asks> What has todays society become?

Would need a to write a book to answer that, but as a 52yr old male I find society is becoming rather frightening, and unless common sense policy is re-introduced then a society I dread my son having to grow up in!

[erimus1]

Completely agree with the fact that society has become more selfish, but would also note that when the Highway Code was written, there were less than a quarter of the cars on the road - perhaps not giving way and being a bit rude has become a necessity then (just to get to work and back or take the kids to school!) - not that I condone it!

[Toureman]

I agree with PhilBy

I have been riding Motorbikes for 48 years on the road and still do but only because if I was not looking out for Plonckers all the time I would not be alive today!

It is no use discussing the wrongs and rights of the highway code or stupid drivers, just look out for yourselves.

Happy motoring!!!!!!!!!

[zara 4]

I agree totally with philby and toureman,I said exactly the same on another thread somewhere else,bikers have to look for everyone else on the road,they shouldn't have to!!!!

[madein1978]

I did a rather tongue in cheek question about this round about christmas time, if you wanna take a look. I think you are absolutely right, the amount of incompetant morons on the road is definately increasing, and the amount of respectless, selfish, dangerous drivers is on the increase as well. Where are the traffic cops when you need them, they're there when you are going a couple of mph over the speed limit on a deserted road, but nowhere in sight when some jerk has nearly caused an accident!

[madein1978]

I'm also of the opinion though, that a lot of the wallers on the road these days 20 years ago would never have given driving or owning a car a second thought, it used to be more or less petrolheads, or someone who had a real need for personal transport that got a driving licence, most other folks were happy to make do with the bus.

[j1_69]

To those on bikes, I haven't been on a motorbike before so I cannot speak for you guys. But recently there are lots of media creating awareness about bikes on the road. On a positive note, hopefully, it can only get better!

Thanx for all your replies. I thought it was just me going mad! Lol :)

[sammd]

I do not live in London and have only noticed people butting in from side roads when i've been driving in London. Is it just a London thing?

[Backdrifter]

Yes this sort of thing is on the increase, and yes it may be a London thing. The "everyone's so busy" thing is nonsense - most people like to make out they're busy, sure.

Other things I've noticed:

Going through reds
Ignoring yellow box junctions
Ignoring give way signs
Not giving way to buses (also in the Highway Code)
Not thanking you for giving way

And it's not just drivers. Increasingly, I see pedestrians strolling out into traffic. I worked in Tooting for a year and have never before or since seen so many people casually stroll into the road in front of major traffic as I did at the junction outside Tooting Broadway tube. One time a bloke got beeped by the double-decker 57 bus he'd walked in front of a few FEET away, just glanced at it and strolled on, unperturbed.