Changes to European traffic regulations

Message Bookmarked

Bookmark Removed

Not the most grabbing of subjects of course, but has anyone else noticed that in the last few months, as far as I can tell throughout the EU, it is now legal for drivers to turn right at a crossing EVEN WHEN the green man pedestrian crossing is on? For instance, when I'm halfway accross the road I see a car charging towards me, the driver of which is oblivious to the fact that pedestrians have been given the OK to cross?

This really really pisses me off and I really want to find out more about it. Anyone know any more?

― Gatinha (rwillmsen), Tuesday, 2 December 2003 16:46 (twenty-one years ago)

It's always been that way in Italy. Quote from a friend who was an Italian traffic cop: "It's the job of the pedestrian to look out for the car and not vice versa".

― Madchen (Madchen), Tuesday, 2 December 2003 16:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Of course, it's completely stupid, yes.

― Madchen (Madchen), Tuesday, 2 December 2003 16:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Somebody told me that it's a new rule introduced very recently, in Lisbon there used to be just a few intersections like this but now it's universal. I noticed it in Germany and Spain too. I mean, who the fuck came up with this homicidal shit? I want to organise a mass European-wide shoelace-tying protest!

― Gatinha (rwillmsen), Tuesday, 2 December 2003 16:57 (twenty-one years ago)

In italy pedestrians always take priority over a turning car (left or right). It depends entirely on who's driving whether it's obeyed or not. Drivers are better at it that you might expect. Generally all over europe you are allowed to turn right on red, some countries have a little orange flashing arrow to mark where you can do this.

― Ed (dali), Tuesday, 2 December 2003 20:03 (twenty-one years ago)

this is also the case in North America IIRC. There's something a bit Darwinian about it.

― MarkH (MarkH), Wednesday, 3 December 2003 11:37 (twenty-one years ago)

i can confirm that this is also the case in russia. actually, anything is the case in Russia, as long as you have the *blue flashing light*...

― ambrose (ambrose), Wednesday, 3 December 2003 16:23 (twenty-one years ago)

You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.