Allowing for pedestrians/cyclists on country lanes
Discussion
The Highway Code for pedestrians, Rule 2:
[i]If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and
be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light
keep close to the side of the road.
It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend.[/i]
On a narrow lane with vision obstructed by hedges there is often the possibility that an oncoming pedestrian or a cyclist is close to the nearside verge and difficult to see until the last second. Conversely driving a car down the middle of the road puts you in conflict with oncoming traffic that has a much higher closing speed. The number of pedestrians/cyclists is far lower than the number of oncoming vehicles including wide agricultural vehicles.
I know the outcome of taking out a pedestrian/cyclist would not go well. Therefore the middle of the road seems to be the only option, but it doesn't feel right.
Bit of a ramble, and I've probably answered my own question, but any other observations?
[i]If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and
be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light
keep close to the side of the road.
It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend.[/i]
On a narrow lane with vision obstructed by hedges there is often the possibility that an oncoming pedestrian or a cyclist is close to the nearside verge and difficult to see until the last second. Conversely driving a car down the middle of the road puts you in conflict with oncoming traffic that has a much higher closing speed. The number of pedestrians/cyclists is far lower than the number of oncoming vehicles including wide agricultural vehicles.
I know the outcome of taking out a pedestrian/cyclist would not go well. Therefore the middle of the road seems to be the only option, but it doesn't feel right.
Bit of a ramble, and I've probably answered my own question, but any other observations?
CheesecakeRunner said:
Slow down.
I don't think anyone drives that slowly. A pedestrian in the left hand verge becomes visible at a distance of say 5 m (probably less in reality). The Highway Code would calculate a speed of about 10 mph for that stopping distance. On an NSL the chance of being rear-ended would increase significantly. But I agree that you're right.David-p5d5m said:
You need to drive at a speed where you have adequate reaction time and stopping distance for any hazards that appear.
Surely that's a basic skill driving.
Absolutely. But I think my brain is tuned to the hazard being another vehicle or fallen tree. A brick in the verge is a hazard but far more difficult to spot. On an NSL without a footpath and minimal pedestrian traffic one should still be prepared. The discussion has helped me to refocus.Surely that's a basic skill driving.
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