A DRIVING instructor has issued a warning about a common road mistake that both new and seasoned drivers often make when approaching junctions.
Annie Winterburn, who runs Spot On Driving, highlighted the mistake in a TikTok video, explaining how confusion around pedestrian crossings can lead to dangerous situations.
2
She said: “Drivers don’t know this. Learner drivers are getting confused about this.”
The issue arises when drivers encounter pedestrians waiting to cross a side road.
Annie explained that drivers must give way to pedestrians in this situation, as they have the right of way.
“You have to wait because they have priority to go first,” she clarified.
This rule also applies when you’re exiting a side road onto a main road if pedestrians are present.
However, Annie warned that it does not apply to pedestrians on the main road itself.
She also cautioned drivers against flashing their lights to encourage pedestrians to cross quickly, as this could lead to accidents if other road users fail to notice.
The Highway Code was updated in 2022 to improve pedestrian safety, but it seems many drivers are still unaware of the changes.
The revised guidance states: “At a junction, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.”
Previously, drivers only needed to give way if pedestrians had already started crossing.
In the comments section of Annie’s TikTok, many admitted they hadn’t known about the updated rule.
One person wrote: “Finally some clarity! I had no idea this was the case.”
Another one said: “I only learned this on the day of my driving test.
“Thankfully the examiner was lenient.”
A third added: I’ve been telling people about this!
“I keep up with updates from Direct Line on the Highway Code.
“It’s so important.”
The updated rule is designed to prioritise pedestrian safety, particularly at busy junctions where accidents are more likely to occur
To stay informed, drivers are encouraged to review changes to the Highway Code regularly.
2
