Embracing mediocrity
Same problem as exists in Blenheim, which I assume is what started the discussion in the OP.Originally Posted by Katman
From memory some of them are and some of them aren't marked as pedestrian crossings, but pedestrians tend to treat them all the same and just carry on across, head down texting away oblivious of the oncoming traffic.
Riding cheap crappy old bikes badly since 1987
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Hardcore Biker
You should be riding/driving defensively at all times so it shouldn't really be a surprise if people step out in front of you. What would your excuse be if a toddler ran out at a crossing and you were past the diamond? "Sorry, but they should've know the rules."?
Not everyone drives a car so you can't expect every single pedestrian to know what the diamonds mean. I know people in their 30s that have no inclination to even get their license.
I've never heard of the diamonds being stopping distance markers at all; merely indicators that a crossing is coming up.
Tight buns
Also here in New Plymouth. They are in the CBD which is now a 30 zone so it's not as though you really need to get somewhere soon if you are choosing that route. Problem is cage drivers who don't know better stop as though it's a pedestrian crossing, and so everyone then expects other drivers to do the same. Raised crossings are certainly easier for people with mobility or vision difficulties or people with kids in pushchairs. It would be easier just to make them proper crossings and remove confusion.
OR.....they could put underpasses in. Keep traffic and people separate; also provide extra places for kids to skateboard, shag their friends, smoke dope, or lay in wait to mug people.
Legalise anarchy
Highway Biker
Yes, it seems to have been long forgotten except to us older folks.
May l ask what year you got your licence please.
Hardcore Punk
They are called courtesy crossings, and most people think they are pedestrian crossings. At least thats how they treat them, the ones at queenstown airport are really bad for catching people out.
For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.Keep an open mind, just dont let your brains fall out.
Highway Biker
Yes indeed.
(There is my earlier 'silly girls" thread which now resides in the Pointless Drivel section.)
It pertains to a TV clip of a car in Blenheim than ran over a girl that ran out into the ped. crossing.
I was defending the driver in this case as it was obvious to me that the poor driver was not given time to stop.
Anarchic Wild Child
We have those here too ... and signs that say "Pedestrians Givfe Way" .. but the cars stop to let people cross the road ... they've even stopped and waved me across when I've stepped out between parked cars ..
Different breed in the eastern bay ... I like living here better.
"So if you meet me, have some sympathy, have some courtesy, have some taste ..."
Hardcore Biker
2005, and I've never had a problem with people walking out on pedestrian crossings. I never drive or ride past them without lowering my speed for the very reason of someone stepping out or running out, especially children.
Highway Biker
Yes as we all do.
The problem is peds these days are not taught the common sense that is expounded in that Law....no self preservation instinct or notion.
Smarty pants... since ages ago
If they have NO "Zebra Stripes" ... they are merely "Suggested crossing points" ... and are
not subject to Pedestrian crossing laws ....
Ignorance (of the said pedestrians) is bliss ... for THEM ..
When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...
Smarty pants... since ages ago
What the white Diamond means ....
It warns a driver that there is a pedestrian crossing ahead, and they are placed at a distance from the crossing to enable a vehicle to stop safetly if the driver sees a padestrian waiting to cross.
If the driver sees a padestrian waiting to cross before he/she passess over the white diamond he/she must stop and let the pedestrian cross.
If already past the diamond and a pedestrian approaches the crossing he/she should stop if can stop saftely. For the pedestrian : if they see a car beyond the diamond they can assume the driver of the appropaching car will be able to stop safetly to let them cross, but they should not not step onto the road until they are sure they driver is stopping. If the perdestrain sees the car is inside the diamond ( has already past the diamond) the pedestrian should wait until the car has passed before stepping onto the road, or step onto the road only if the car has stopped to let them past.
liabilty: If a pedesrtain steps onto the road after a car has passed the diamond, it is the pedestrian who is a at fault if hit by the car. If a pedestrian is hit by a car that was outside the diamond when they stepped onto the road, the car is at fault.
When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...
Forum whore
Perhaps once upon a time but not now.
The location of the white diamond was always hit and miss so much so that it is not even a requirement now. When it was required only a minimum distance was specified, and it was purely to tell a motorist that a pedestrian crossing was coming up, nothing more, even though because it was there it was used as a guide by some people.
The rule is that you must give way to pedestrians who are either on the crossing or who are obviously waiting to cross it. That's it. Nothing about white diamonds and nothing about waiting until they have got back on the footpath before you pull away. Part 10 of the Road User Rule if anyone wants to know the actual rules.
As for liability, again, the white diamond is not going to come in to it. If the pedestrian runs out and gets hit it is probably their fault, if they walk out and get hit it is probably the rider/drivers fault. I have always found it is best not to hit anyone so as not to worry about liability.
Smarty pants... since ages ago
As is usual in this day and age ... we remember the rules that suit our needs ... and the ones we like at the time.
We know pedestrians have right of way on the Zebra crossings ... but there are still rules THEY have to abide by. Children are taught they are the safe place to cross the road and cars have to stop for them (and little more is remembered). But few children (and some adults) have no comprehension of stopping distances of cars/trucks etc ...
Actual liability/fault is of little consequence ... if you hit anybody ... kid or not.
When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...
Hardcore Punk
I have only ever been hit by a car once while crossing a pedestrian crossing, and that was by a copper.
For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
In the riders seat
Probably well deservedI have only ever been hit by a car once while crossing a pedestrian crossing, and that was by a copper.
"If you can make black marks on a straight from the time you turn out of a corner until the braking point of the next turn, then you have enough power."
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