A Dorset taxi driver has spoken out after narrowly avoiding a collision with an elderly woman who was walking along a country lane near Weymouth.
Weyline Taxis driver Devon Hillier, 34, was carrying children on a Dorset Council school run when the incident occurred on the road from Nottington towards Coldharbour in Chickerell.
As Mr Hillier rounded a bend, he was suddenly confronted with the pedestrian walking with her back to oncoming traffic on the same side of the road. A white van travelling in the opposite direction meant he had no choice but to perform an emergency stop.
Speaking to the Dorset Echo, Mr Hillier, who has been a taxi driver for 10 years, said:
“I was very shocked but my driving experience led me to react in the only way I could – brake and hope I stop in time. I was so relieved I stopped in time although it took me a while to get over what could have happened.”
Thanks to driving at 39mph in a 60mph zone, Mr Hillier managed to stop safely before tragedy struck.
Road Safety Warning
Dashcam footage of the incident has been shared on social media and with the Echo to highlight the dangers of walking on rural roads. Mr Hillier hopes the footage will encourage pedestrians to take extra care on blind corners and country lanes.
“I just want to tell people to be careful on blind corners. If anyone knows this woman, they might want to advise her on walking down country lanes,” he added.
According to the Highway Code, pedestrians walking on roads without pavements should keep to the right-hand side so they can see oncoming traffic. Walking with their back to traffic, as in this case, puts them at greater risk of not spotting approaching vehicles until it is too late.
Source: Dorset Echo
Raising Awareness
The incident has sparked online discussion about pedestrian safety on rural routes, particularly in areas where pavements are unavailable. Taxi and private hire drivers, who often travel these roads daily, are urging walkers to follow the Highway Code to prevent future accidents.
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