I live in Australia but normally get around with a folding bike that I can take on busses and trains easily, however I have decided it’s time to learn to drive, not due to any love of cars but rather just so I can do it if needed. Also I technically own half a car so it would be good if I can use it if I am ever moving or doing a political event or something.
So on to the story, my driving instructor was a good teacher, however the entire time he was complaining that cars don’t have right of way and have to go 40kmh lmao.
He watched a pedestrian cross the road on a green pedestrian light, and complained about the pedestrian not looking… because they have right of way. We also had him tell me the busses shouldn’t just pull out when they have indicated for 5 seconds and should still give way (legally they do not have to… because they are moving far more people than a mostly empty car)
Also said it was stupid that cars have to go 40kmh on busy roads with businesses on either side of it as pedestrians may want to cross, instead of having to give way to cars…
Do people in cars really all constantly get mad they don’t have absolute right of way at all times???
I agree with pretty much everything you said, except for one minor thing. Whether you are a pedestrian, a cyclist, a driver, etc., you still must look and observe the traffic when you have right of way. Even though it’s a green light for you, it doesn’t automatically make it right for you not to give shit about anything and recklessly cross the road while staring at your phone. There might be an idiot driver running a red light, an ambulance you can’t hear because you’re listening to music, etc. I always observe the situation even if I have right of way, regardless if I am walking, cycling, or driving. It would be suicidal to do otherwise.
I try to live by the rule of I would rather be alive than dead. Being “right” is no consolation when you’re in a hospital bed dying.
The same goes for cars and especially bikers. You may be right, but being right doesn’t stop the giant SUV next to you from flattening you.