Was I in the right to shout as this (girl)?

Question

Today I was walking with my two small children along a narrow road when this car appearred from nowhere and shot infront of us into a car dealership
my children were walking and she just missed them by yards
When she stopped and finnally got out of the car I told her that she shuold have driven more carefully and given way to us as we were walking past
I was always taught to give way to peadestrians at all times
All she could do was shout saying the children shouldnt have been playing by the cars ( which were parked on the pavement.
Would you put in a complaint to the dealership
asking them to have more respect for those useing the footpath and are they within the law to park their cars on the pavement
my children are only 4 & 6
any thoughts ?

Answer 1

I'd have said something too.
If only to vent my frustrations. It probably wouldn't do any good, but if it made you feel better, great.

Answer 2

If you and the children were walking along a footpath, maintained by the Local Authority, you had right of way.
I assume that there was a gap in the pavement that the driver turned into, just ahead of you and the children.

The lady driver was driving without reasonable consideration for people on the pavement and should be reported to the Dealership, if they are her employers, and any repetition could be a matter for the Police to consider as there was the likelihood of an accident occurring.
Finally, any cars parked on the pavement, not their own forecourt or roadway, are done so illegally and if any obstruction is perceived by a pedestrian, the Police would firstly warn and if no action taken, prosecute.

Answer 3

Pedestrians do what pedestrians do, and children do what children do. When you're driving a car you should take account of that - it doesn't matter who's got right-of-way.

I can't think of any reason why "the children shouldn't have been playing by the cars", it's a footpath, and they've got every right to be there (the children, not the cars). In fact, if we're talking about rights, they've got the right to be in the middle of the road if it's a public right of way (regardless of how sensible or not that might be).

No, the dealership has no right to park cars on the pavement - I'd bring the problem to their attention politely first. Tell them what happened - you never know, they might see your point.

A final thought - none of the points I've mentioned mean that you don't have any resposibility of care yourself. I mean, you WERE controlling your children properly, weren't you? You were there, I wasn't, so you have the advantage over me. I've had kids, I know what it's like!

Answer 4

You would be perfectly within your rights to make an official complaint to the Dealership, the Local Authority and the Police. The grounds are Dangerous Driving by the woman, and Illegal Parking by all the people parked on the pavement.

Photos, Registration of Woman's car and parked cars and statements from any witnesses would be helpful but not necessary to cause a stink. Don't forget to write to your local Councillor and to the local Paper!!.

We can all do without arrogant drivers who ever they are

Answer 5

Complain to the car dealership about how the cars are parked.

Take the opportunity to teach your kids how dangerous cars are. More and more I see pedestrians cross roads and junctions without even looking.

Traffic should have respect for fragile pedestrians / cyclists / motorcyclists BUT pedestrians have a duty to look after themselves too and be aware of what is going on around them. A big ask for kids as young as yours, but its never too early to start learning good habits.

And yes you were right to shout!

Answer 6

The person himself should be run over, a few times at that. You had every right to shout at him, especially since he didn't respect the pedestrian rights. Complain if you must, but I doubt it will do anything - but have the satisfaction knowing you were in the right. I feel sorry for you and your children, but there will always be stupid maniacs like that around.

PS just out of curiosity, why post this on the wrestling section? not that I'm complaining

Answer 7

Hello there,

You were in the right, cars shouldnt be on the pavement. Pavements are for people, not cars. ou can send a letter to this dealership, but if I were you, Id visit the Citizens Advice Bureau t0 see if there is anything further you can do like prosecution.

Answer 8

Do complaint. If it were me, I would have went and punched her out. If she had no consideration for the children, which I'm sure she seen, she needs to be put in her place. The law does state pedestrians have the right of way. She's a freak'in idiot. Let me at her!!!!

Answer 9

Your right on the button there, bloody right u should have shouted at her , happened to me once , marched right into the supermarket after him and shouted with anger infront of everyone all he said was sorry (crapping himself in the process ) lol i would put a complaint in writting to let them know about the hazard that occured

Answer 10

You're quite right. In the UK at least, pedestrians should be given way to on the pavement. That's what it's there for. Furthermore, it's illegal to park vehicles on the pavement, for that very reason.

Answer 11

I`m still a learner but have always been told to always give way to pedestrians at all times,you were in the right to give her an earbashing but i`m unsure about the law bit.