My 2p - I think that this all revolves around 'entitlement' - a driver's/rider's/walker's entitlement to be on that piece of ground at that point in time. People believe they are entitled and with that entitlement, they can do what they wish. I have watched numerous youtube clips of 'near accidents' and accidents involving all modes of transport and the common thread is people seem to put themselves at risk (even when they are 'right' in law and under driving regulations) because they feel 'entitled'.
This 'I am right' attitude results in accidents, road rage and, on occasion, unfortunate deaths. If people drove/rode/walked defensively, a lot of these incidents would be avoided - not all, but a vast majority and youtube would not have so many clips of 'nightmare driving' etc. This is a common sense attitude - putting yourself in danger because 'you are right' is not a sensible thing to do.
On my last ride, I was cycling up a steepish hill on a busy, fast, twisty road and a lorry came up behind me. I pulled in to let him past and then rode on. The guy was obviously working and I was not in a rush, if it cost me 30 secs I would be surprised. Cycling on up the hill with him on my tail and, perhaps, a punishment pass when I was not expecting it, was avoided. We were both entitled to be on the road but I used some sense and let him go by. Common sense??
My 2p - I think that this all revolves around 'entitlement' - a driver's/rider's/walker's entitlement to be on that piece of ground at that point in time. People believe they are entitled and with that entitlement, they can do what they wish. I have watched numerous youtube clips of 'near accidents' and accidents involving all modes of transport and the common thread is people seem to put themselves at risk (even when they are 'right' in law and under driving regulations) because they feel 'entitled'.
This 'I am right' attitude results in accidents, road rage and, on occasion, unfortunate deaths. If people drove/rode/walked defensively, a lot of these incidents would be avoided - not all, but a vast majority and youtube would not have so many clips of 'nightmare driving' etc. This is a common sense attitude - putting yourself in danger because 'you are right' is not a sensible thing to do.
On my last ride, I was cycling up a steepish hill on a busy, fast, twisty road and a lorry came up behind me. I pulled in to let him past and then rode on. The guy was obviously working and I was not in a rush, if it cost me 30 secs I would be surprised. Cycling on up the hill with him on my tail and, perhaps, a punishment pass when I was not expecting it, was avoided. We were both entitled to be on the road but I used some sense and let him go by. Common sense??