AIBU for not thanking drivers for stopping at crossings?

[PedestrianAbuse]

Just wondering if I'm the one who's behaving unusually here!

I have to cross a busy main road to get to/from my DD's nursery. There are a couple of zebra crossings on the road but a lot of drivers barrel through them without even considering stopping for pedestrians. There are also cycle lanes to cross and cyclists IME are even less likely to stop at crossings - so there's a bit going on when trying to get across this particular road, I'm always quite cautious doing it.

I've twice had drivers put their windows down and shout at me for not thanking them for stopping, and I just wondered if I'm the only person who doesn't actually think it's necessary to thank a driver for stopping for me at a zebra crossing? I mean, they are supposed to stop! I certainly don't expect it when I'm driving - I think not mowing down pedestrians is kind of a bare minimum requirement, I don't expect thanks for not breaking the law (and as a pedestrian I don't expect drivers to thank me for being sensible and not just leaping into the road at the last moment either!).

I would always thank someone who stopped to let me cross in front of them somewhere where there isn't a crossing point, but it has never occurred to me to think that someone who stops at a crossing or red light is somehow doing me a favour by letting me across the road. Is it just me who doesn't get why some drivers are so offended?

YABU - you should always thank drivers for stopping, even if they're supposed to do it
YANBU - it's just basic rules of the road that they should be following anyway, thanking them is excessive

Does the highway code say drivers have to stop?

I'm aware of the that, and although I wasn't specific, that's what I meant by pedestrians at zebra crossings. Baring in mind what the thread is about, as in why would a pedestrian not using the zebra crossing be saying thanks, I thought my comment was clear - clearly not.

You said it was a legal requirement to give way when it isn't. If you think that and the OP does, no wonder you can't see why thanks are needed. It is only a requirement when the pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing for obvious reasons not when they are waiting at the curb.

Nope, I did not say that, I never mentioned "give way", so you've got me mixed up with someone else. Believe me, I'm well aware of the rules of the road, I have to be, for my job!

This is exactly what you wrote:

But it isn't courtesy. Drivers legally have to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings.
It's a lawful requirement, they are not stopping out of courtesy, they are stopping in order to comply with the law.

Exactly - no mention of "give way".

So no, you weren't clear at all @PeachMelbaYoghurt I suggest you find another job.

So what do you think stop means in these circumstances?

So because I wrote "at" instead of "on", you're hell bent on being a pedant?

Stop being so silly and grow up. By "at" I meant using it, yes, I should have been clearer for those who need extra help in understanding things.

What a leap to suggest I find another job, just because you decided to claim I said things that I didn't i.e. "give way", which was never even mentioned. Do you always lie in order to attempt to prove your point?

Err, no. You realised you were wrong and instead of admitting it you've tried to twist your first post, which you tagged me into. If you had meant for the law only to apply when the pedestrian was on the crossing, you would have said it. So no, drivers do not have to stop otherwise but are required to.

@PedestrianAbuse I just wanted to say thank you for a very interesting thread. It's something I've never given much thought to before and its been fascinating to read how passionate some PP are about the subject!

I usually do give a head nod/wave but I don't notice if people do the same when I'm the driver rather than the pedestrian and the two people who yelled at you are clearly wrong.

For what its worth I have enjoyed your polite and reasonable responses to those attempting to assassinate your character!

There's been some bonkers responses on this thread and it's not been from the majority saying the OP is being unreasonable.

Its just nice to be nice, no?

Oh I completely agree there have been many responses on this thread that have baffled me simply because I can't understand the amount of passion people have to this fairly benign topic lol I was more making the point that the OP has conducted herself well in her responses to some comments that have been I'm sure not pleasant to read about ones self even if you are aware these are strangers making up stories about your life

So if someone serves you in a shop or restaurant you don't say thank you? Because that isn't out of kindness, it's their job. It's generally considered desirable to express thanks though.

Depends.

if it’s bust, lots of vehicles and other pedestrians it would be a bit ridiculous to nod and wave at all of them.

if I’m a lone pedestrian and one solitary car stops for me then yes, I’d probably acknowledge the driver.

Again, depends!

if someone served me without any conversation beyond grunting at me, has a face like bulldog chewing a wasp and just kind of threw my things at me then no, they absolutely would not get a thank you.

engaging in polite conversation, service with a smile and friendly demeanour - of course I’d say thank you.

Oh I see you didn't tag me this time, perhaps because you wanted the last word?

I wasn't wrong about anything. I know the Highway Code inside out, I have to, because of my job. I would not be able to keep my job without continuing to know it inside out.

As I said before, I wrote "at" instead of "on", so fucking what? It doesn't mean that I don't know the law. The whole post is about using the crossings, so it's fair to say that I was talking about them being in use.

YOU are the only one who has twisted things, you actually lied by claiming I said "give way", when I never uttered those words.

You have such an audacity and a concerning incessant need to be right. I suggest you seek a therapist for that.

What has people working in the service industry got to do with drivers complying with the law? So curious as to why so many people think they are comparable.

You need to learn the difference between must and should. You're still not getting it. I never said give way at all. What a strange person.

That post was for you @PeachMelbaYoghurt I suggest next time you want to be a smart arse, you make sure your post is worded clearly. You're still wrong.

Yes you did, more than once you told me that I had apparently said that, when I hadn't. And I know the difference, thanks.

You are like talking to a brick wall. The only strange person here is staring at you in the mirror. You seriously have nothing better to do than to keep arguing with someone to try to show everyone that they are wrong and you know it all?

You come across as delusional in all honesty. You are lacking in many, many things, reading and comprehension skills being some of them. I'm not arguing with you anymore, so say what you like now, I really don't care. Unlike you, I actually have a life. Night night, sweet dreams.

Sweet dreams. You might wake up later knowing that using a crossing pertains to both waiting at the curb and being already on the crossing. Many other posters have said what I did so not sure why you singled my post out. I hope when you're doing your job you are more composed and less aggressive. I can see why you are as ignorant as the OP.

Madness. You dont need to thank drivers at a crossing. I often do but thats my own hangup and I never see anyone else do it. If anything raising my hand slows me down crossing a zebra which im sure annoys drivers more

It’s called manners
The same as when driving if someone is waiting because it’s your right of way past say parked cars you should thank them

I always thank cars for stopping at a Zebra, it’s polite,

how much nicer this country would be if people thanked others for simple things like this

in my opinion you are rude and you are teaching your child to be rude