To want to know what it is about the darkness that turns drivers into idiots?

[MrsFlannel]

And also to ask someone here to clarify the rules about using zebra crossings?

Basically to get to the local shops I need to cross a zebra crossing. During the daytime hours, cars are very good about stopping....they don't just stop if I am standing at the crossing but as they approach if they see me nearing the crossing then they stop and wait for me to reach it and wait while I cross.

As SOON as night falls it's like playing chicken! I was just at the crossing this evening at about 6.30 with my two children and we were waiting to cross when two cars whipped past at speed...they had loads of time to see us...why? It happens all the time as soon as it's dark....I KNOW they see us...the area is very brightly lit and besides that we were all wearing hi vis gear from cycling!

Why? What are the rules? Would you/do you do this?

The highway code says drivers MUST stop once the pedestrian steps onto the crossing. They don't however have to stop if you are approaching the crossing or just waiting.

I generally stop when I see somebody approaching - dark or light. No idea why it should make a difference.

I had my foot out when the first car approached and a man across the road gasped as this car whipped past...he shouted actually...and then comiserated with me at the bad driving and how he could kill a child who wasn't quite on the ball.

Sorry to hear it op. I hate these crossings nowadays as more and more drivers just don't stop or realise how dangerous they're being.

This is no use if you're already crossing but I wait until a car stops now. I went bananas at my wife the other week as she just walked straight across and forced a car to screech to a halt. Her opinion was that the law says they must stop but being right is no bloody use if you're dead!

No and that's the terrible thing about it isn't it? some children just walk across locally...teens often do it...and the thought of one getting squashed under a car makes me feel ill. I think some sort of campaign is needed by the authorities.

I agree. We definitely need something IMHO.