A Nelson scooter driver caught on video undertaking a car and subsequently being knocked off has drawn division on social media.
Dashcam footage captured the moment a scooter driver speeds up the inside of vehicles approaching traffic lights before a car indicating to turn left knocks them off.
The footage was posted on the Facebook page Nelson NZ's Shit Drivers and has attracted hundreds of comments, with the anonymous poster alleging the driver of the vehicle "never did stop". While some were outraged at the driver allegedly not stopping, many questioned why the scooter driver was undertaking in the first place.
"What was that scooter rider even thinking?" asked one commenter.
"Manic. 100% scooter's fault," said another. "I suppose the car should have stopped afterwards though."
But another believed the driver of the vehicle should've checked their blind spot before completing the left turn.
"According to the road code and practical driving tests, you'll be expected to be checking your mirrors before turning left next to a cycle lane."
So what does the road code actually say?
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says moped riders "must follow the road rules for motor vehicles" at intersections.
According to the road code, motor vehicles mustn't pass on the left at an intersection if the other vehicle "has signalled a left turn". Vehicles can only pass on the left at intersections if the other vehicle has stopped or indicating/turning right.
However, vehicles making a left turn were also required to "check your mirrors and look over your left shoulder to check your blind spot".
When it comes to any motorist involved in a crash, "the first thing you must do is stop and check to see if anyone is hurt and help them", the road code says.
