A pedestrian in Frome is urging drivers to be aware of the updated Highway Code after she was knocked into at a junction.
Barbara Clark, who is a resident of the Keyford area, was bumped into whilst attempting to cross the road from Christchurch Street East to Wesley Slope, resulting in a bruised shin and being ‘sprawled’ on the bonnet of the driver’s car last month.
“I started crossing and he moved forward and bumped into me,” said Barbara. “Fortunately, it only bruised my shin but it could have broken my leg. He said that he didn’t see me but I was wearing a bright red coat.”
Barbara believes the incident was caused by the driver being unaware of the 2022 Highway Code changes, which state that traffic should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at a junction.
“The driver didn’t even think about pedestrians, didn’t look left and right and moved forward,” she explained. “He was very apologetic and I could understand what happened. It feels like only a quarter of drivers obey the updated Highway Code.”
When the Highway Code was updated in 2022, Barbara says she feels this was not widely publicised resulting in drivers being unaware of the new rules. “There are a couple of areas in Frome that are potentially very dangerous where people have to cross. There are some drivers who are very aware of the new Highway Code but there are others who are totally oblivious to it and tear ahead and ignore you completely.”
Barbara is also calling on Somerset Council to consider installing signs at key junctions to remind drivers that pedestrians have the right of way.
“It is dangerous,” she said. “I see small children crossing and my heart is in my mouth. I think this has always been a problem but the amount of traffic in Frome may well have increased.”
Pictured: Wesley Slope – Google Maps
