Do you say thank you at zebra crossings?

[bottomsup12]

Is it unreasonable not to thank a driver who stopped? Even though they legally and should stop?

I know people will probably say "yes basic manners" etc. as a driver, I never expect a thank you, and I certainly would never ever get annoyed if someone didn't say thank you (its an ott reaction imo).

Long rationale ahead, to preempt expected backlash on this...

Putting forward the argument that:
A) they legally have to stop. Do you thank everyone for doing things they have to legally do anyway?
B) saying thank you to someone suggests they are doing you a favour, but are they doing you a favour?
C) do drivers thank pedestrians for waiting patiently at the zebra crossing?
D) pedestrians have right of way when crossing a side road on their straight path, so drivers ever thank pedestrians who wait?
E) the deference that a lot of motorheads think pedestrians (and cyclists for that matter) ought to show them is an irritating suggestion that they are somehow more important than other road users just because they have the more powerful mode of transport - when in fact the Highway Code suggests equal if not priority to other road users.

This.

I wave to any driver that actually stops because many don’t. I’ve seen plenty drive through a zebra crossing while I was still on it pushing a bright-coloured buggy that could be seen from miles away. Too many drivers only look at/for cars not pedestrians. It’s even worse when it’s a residential area and people still try to speed through and get irate that people dare cross the street in their own area.

Never occurred to me to. I wouldn’t class myself as a miserable fuck, either!

Hasn't anyone posted what the Highway Code actually says?
There's a 'should' and there's a 'must'. I'm not doing a pedestrian a favour worthy of their gratitude when I stop if they're waiting to cross, I'm merely doing what I should.

Rule 195
Zebra and parallel crossings. As you approach a zebra crossing
• look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross
• you should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross
• you MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing
• allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads
• do not wave, flash your lights or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching
• be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine as this can be intimidating
• be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing.

Obviously it is the law and drivers have to stop (in the UK) however I'm still going to check it's safe and constantly explained this to my DCs as so often drivers don't. I'd rather not be run over just because drivers are supposed to stop.

Pedestrians definitely also have a responsibility, some crossings have dreadful visibility and also Pedestrians often cross without actually stopping so kind of turn onto the crossing so drivers would have no clue they are intending to stop. I always slow down regardless near crossings as our area is so busy.

Well, obviously pedestrians need to check and be careful! That too is of course laid out in the Highway Code.
Because pedestrians should check the traffic has stopped before starting to cross, clearly for this to work vehicles need to first do their 'should' of stopping. Any who think they are fine sailing over because the pedestrian is still standing on the pavement rather than in the gutter, so they don't have to stop are piss taking dicks.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-pedestrians-1-to-35

@Legendairy that’s a really valid point. Some crossings do have dreadful visibility. And sometimes it is a bit hard to anticipate if the person walking along the footpath is going to continue walking along the footpath or suddenly turn and step out onto the road to cross at the crossing. And vehicles have a stopping distance depending on their size, weight and speed that they are travelling at.

I think it’s a good habit for road users (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists etc) to make eye contact, communicate and be aware of each other. And a little wave or head nod is a good way of maintaining that connection and communication.

Totally, I wasn't suggesting otherwise