Most Brits pride themselves on their driving skills.
However, a driving instructor recently revealed a significant rule that many drivers are unaware of. Annie Winterburn, who shares viral videos under the name @theorytestpractice on TikTok, highlighted that many drivers don’t know what to do when they want to turn into a new road and pedestrians are waiting to cross the side road.
Using a map for illustration, Annie explained: “So you are in this red car and you want to turn into this junction. Pedestrians wants to cross the side road.”
She emphasised that drivers should wait and give priority to pedestrians, adding: “You need to wait. They have priority to go first.
“If you’re coming out of this side road, and pedestrians are waiting to cross, you should stop here and wait, and allow the pedestrians to cross.”
However, she clarified that this rule does not apply if a pedestrian wants to cross over a main road. It only applies to those attempting to cross a side road.
Annie also warned about the dangers of flashing lights to signal it’s safe for pedestrians to cross, as other cars may not realise this, potentially leading to accidents.
The trick, according to experts, is not to dictate actions but to pause, observe the pedestrians and gauge the situation. If they’re going to cross, drivers should wait. If not, they can proceed.
Despite the video racking up thousands of views, viewers were less than enthused by the guidance offered. Many remain baffled by the rule.
One viewer commented: “Who came up with that insane rule? Pedestrians should wait until it’s safe to cross.”
Another expressed frustration, adding: “Who thought of this traffic rule? I’ve tried this. Pedestrians just stand there looking at me thinking ‘why have you stopped?'”
And a third admitted: “I’ve been driving for almost 30 years, and I did not know this.”
