Zebra crossings

[TheZebraCrosser]

I was under the impression that when driving, stopping to let a pedestrian cross on a zebra crossing (white stripes on road, big flashing Belisha beacons) was in fact mandatory, not discretionary.

So why did some twat in a van holler 'could have put your hand up to say thank you you ignorant sod' as I (a pedestrian) sauntered across the other day.

I have noticed (as a motorist) that more and more pedestrians are now scuttling across zebra crossings almost apologetically while mouthing thank you s and waving.

This is all very well and sweet of them but it leaves me a bit bemused as they have a right to cross anyway.

I'm wondering now, if, when I get to the end of temporary traffic lights, would I be advised to 'thank' the person waiting at the other end for not jumping the red light? To thank someone for giving way at a roundabout if you gave right if way anyway?

And then there are people who step out into the road with no crossing at all without so much as batting an eyelid and scream abuse if you don't dodge them by a wide enough margin.

Help needed.

I don't know, I've used zebra crossings as a pedestrian for over 30 years. I don't think I have ever walked out blindly into oncoming traffic daring them not to stop nor have I failed to waved a quick thank you to all those that didn't mow me down. Not sure how I coped with such a long running difficult task . As a driver, I always wave back to pedestrians that thank me and cuss those ignorami that don't, quietly to myself of course!

@OP But to accuse someone of being rude for not waving at a driver who stops when everyone knows the driver has to stop anyway

This is the heart of the issue. You don't think people should be thanked for doing something they are obligated to do.

I hope you carry that forward when the surgeon who saves your life with a very complex operation does their rounds the next day. I mean, no need to thank them, that their fucking job.

OP, you live your life how you choose, but in the real world you wouldn't be someone I'd have in my life. I thank drivers who stop, restaurant staff who bring my meal, the chambermaid who cleans my hotel room, the shop assistant who gives me my change. I don't have to....I choose to.

Bitterny- this thing about not walking out blindly. What would you, as a veteran crossing user, advise as the best tactic to indicate you intend to cross - I'm thinking: standing on one leg with the other sticking out, hovering over the crossing, just past the kerb, toe just touching the crossing but on the other hand not far enough out to get mangled if van keeps going regardless...?

Please advise.

Lifecraft, please see my earlier posts. You are yet another poster who is confusing and conflating my behaviour on pedestrian crossings with other social interactions. And making massive incorrect assumptions.

I have already put people straight on that.

It's not comparing like for like at all as I see it.

I agree life
There's no excusing any driver verbally abusing a pedestrian, but the overall attitude of 'I don't see why I should thank people who are doing what I think they have to' is quite a rude attitude and something I struggle to deal with in people offline.

You too Lola. Read my earlier posts please. You're making an inaccurate assumption and a massive over generalisation I'm afraid.

TheZebraCrosser Well obviously I would swerve and run him down 🙄... I would use that thing called common sense, (sadly lacking in many) and likely come fairly quickly to the conclusion that he obviously couldn't thank me and wouldn't think anything of it.. Not a struggle either!

Lifecraft, please see my earlier posts. You are yet another poster who is confusing and conflating my behaviour on pedestrian crossings with other social interactions.

Why have you singled out drivers for your particular brand of disdain.

Unless you have no arms, are in a neck brace and have facial paralysis, there is no reason not to raise a hand, or nod and smile at the driver who stops for you at the crossing. None at all. You can try and justify you poor behaviour ad infinitum but I ain't buying it.

Bitterny?

I was asking you as a pedestrian crossing user, not a driver.

The dilemma for many seems to be that drivers don't HAVE to stop until a foot is on the crossing.

But many people don't want to set a foot on the crossing in case a driver doesn't stop.

I was wondering if you had any wisdom to impart on this catch 22 situation?

Lifecraft- fine you wave away all you like. When you cross in front of me I'll just think you're unnecessary that's all.

I can’t understand why any car driver would care whether a pedestrian waved at them to thank them for stopping for them. As a driver, I actually don’t even give it a second thought, as I’m simply following the rules of the road. It’s what I’ve always done in my 25 years of driving.

Lizzie, yes same here. Who knew there were so many sad people out there inwardly seething because they didn't get a pat on the back for not respecting road law / road safety / road rules?

It's a bit like me thanking the plumber for not nicking my jewellery. Or thanking the driver for not molesting me.

Rather insulting and patronising actually.

It's just bloody common sense I'd say.. As a driver in the middle of a busy city centre surrounded by hoards of busy shoppers, I'm not deranged enough to expect many (if any) to thank me.. Likely I'd be driving so slowly, stopping wouldn't remotely hinder me anyway. But in a quiet area when the traffic conditions are faster and there is just one pedestrian crossing, yes I would always obviously stop, yes I would be surprised if they didn't thank me (unless they looked like raising a hand would be difficult) and yes I would swear at them in the comfort and privacy of my own car!

Just being polite takes no effort whatsoever even if it's not compulsory!

Don’t understand why OP is so defensive and keen to get everyone’s back up.

I always wave or nod at zebra crossing as a pedestrian and as a driver stop if I see anyone who looks like they intend to cross. I would no shout abuse at anyone but would think someone was impolite if I didn’t get at least a head bob or smile.

Bitterny- you and other posters sound like you have a lot of unresolved anger. It must be stressful driving in that state of mind.

Why on earth would you (even inwardly) swear at someone for crossing the road without waving?

Do you thank the train driver for not detailing the train?

Bitterny, agreed it takes no effort.

But it's the principle.

Why should I be expected to take verbal abuse for failing to acknowledge that someone has obeyed road usage law/ custom (call it what you like?)

Hippopot (and others) I'm not being defensive. You all sound very sensitive and easily offended.

Far from being put out if someone failed to wave at me (when I'm driving) I'd think- why on earth are you waving you daft bat- it's a bloody crossing - I had to stop, I'm not doing you a favour.

Using a zebra crossing isn't hard. You simply approach it, stop at the kerb and wait for a car to stop. Which 99.9% of them do. What is it you don't understand?

But why do any of you actually care? That’s what I don’t get. Don’t you have enough things going on in your own lives to care whether someone you don’t know from Adam and won’t see again bothers to thank you?

I do get annoyed if someone cuts me up or tailgates me, but that’s because they’re breaking the rules of the world and making it harder for me to drive.

When I was at uni I did waitressing.

Oh yes - so many people would give their fake smiles and thank yous... did they tip? Which is all that really matters to waiting staff. Like hell they did.

Talk is cheap. And I was thinking 'you tight arsed cheapskates. If I'm that spectacular leave me a tip to supplement the 4.20 per hour I'm getting to bring you your coronary inducing shite.'

And I defy anyone who's done waiting to say that a (fake) smile is all it takes.

Lizzie, it will be interesting to see the reasons why!

Using a zebra crossing isn't hard.

As long as you comply with the waving part - the part that's not in the Highway Code, it's a doddle isn't it.

the part that's not in the Highway Code

Just like the part where a motorist has to stop you mean?

The Highway Code doesn't cover basic manners anyway. It's the Highway Code, not the Basic Guide to Common Courtesy.

Soup, sorry you've lost me.

The part about a motorist having to stop is in the Highway Code.

The pedestrian has to step onto the crossing first, otherwise the motorist is not obliged to stop. So in theory I could be standing there all day. Unless I made the first move.

You're obviously a waver and a driver who expects to be waved at. Fill your boots with waving / being waved at, and enjoy life.