Footage of driver hitting a cyclist sparks online debate
Dash cam footage uploaded to popular Facebook page Dash Cam Owners Australia shows a cyclist riding across a pedestrian crossing before being hit by a car.
The video has sparked a debate online as users disagree over who is at fault in the incident.
The footage begins by seeing the cyclist, in a bright orange T-shit and red helmet, riding across the pedestrian crossing.
Right before the cyclist disappears out of view, a vehicle sees the right arrow turn green and begins to turn, collecting the cyclist on his way.
The cyclist topples over before the driver quickly brakes.
The video ends with the cyclist standing up and appearing to make his way over to the car.
The video was submitted to the Facebook page with this caption, “This is what happens when a cyclist uses the pedestrian crossing at traffic lights ignoring the red Do Not Walk symbol. The driver of the vehicle that hit the cyclist had a green turning arrow to proceed through the intersection. Fortunately the cyclist did not suffer serious injury."
However, some viewers believe the driver was partially responsible, writing, “Both at fault, driver should have looked both ways before moving out and the cyclist should not have gone across in front of the vehicles. If he had looked at the traffic lights he would have seen the green arrow or at least read the traffic lights in general, silly some people. Plus if the cyclist had been looking in all directions would have seen the vehicle before he hit the vehicle,” Kay Little wrote.
“That’s why you double take prior to proceeding, had the driver checked he would have seen the cyclist. Totally avoidable even though the kid was in the wrong,” Dennis Mitchell agreed.
Other viewers were less diplomatic and believed only the cyclist was responsible.
“The same thing happens with d**khead pedestrians with their ear buds in and concentrating on their phone,” Bruce Webb wrote.
“I have no sympathy for them, they have a responsibility to ensure they are crossing the road safely, not put ALL the responsibility on the drivers not to hit them,” he continued.
Who do you think was at fault? Let us know in the comments below.