27/10/2026
🚗 “BUT I HAD RIGHT OF WAY!”
One of the most confidently shouted phrases on our roads.
Usually accompanied by a horn, a waving arm and absolutely no intention of touching the brake.
Let’s clear something up.
The Highway Code does not give you right of way in any circumstance.
It explains when you should give way to others.
What drivers usually mean is “I had priority.” Priority helps traffic move safely; it doesn’t give you permission to plough on regardless while everyone else dives for cover.
It isn’t simply a favour, either. Give Way signs, road markings and traffic signals come with rules you must follow.
Your responsibilities don’t disappear when somebody else gets it wrong.
For example, when turning into or out of a junction, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross that road.
They are trying to get across safely, not auditioning for a bonnet ornament.
If someone pulls out, misjudges a gap or fails to give way, slow down and take action to avoid a collision.
You can disagree with their driving without physically demonstrating the consequences.
I teach people to drive for life, not to win an argument at a junction.
Having priority won’t cushion an impact.
Leave your ego at home and give yourself room to deal with people’s mistakes !
Signals, stopping procedures, lighting, control of the vehicle, speed limits, stopping distances, lines and lane markings and multi-lane carriageways, smoking, mobile phones and sat nav.
