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AIBU?

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AIBU for not thanking drivers for stopping at crossings?

331 replies

PedestrianAbuse · 26/05/2026 15:53

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

OP posts:
LiquoriceAllsorts2 · Today 17:17

Shade17 · 26/05/2026 17:36

It is an optional stop though where someone is waiting to cross. When you’re waiting and someone stops they are doing you a small courtesy, a nod or a smile costs nothing.

No it’s not. It’s compulsory to stop

ktopfwcv · Today 17:19

YANBU.

Or should we also thank them for stopping at red lights or driving through green lights?

LuckyHazelFox · Today 17:19

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · Today 17:17

No it’s not. It’s compulsory to stop

Incorrect. It's advisory to stop. It's encouraged. It is not mandatory.

LuckyHazelFox · Today 17:20

ktopfwcv · Today 17:19

YANBU.

Or should we also thank them for stopping at red lights or driving through green lights?

Spot the difference between pedestrian lights and zebra crossings. Fuck me I need to hide this insane thread.

PedestrianAbuse · Today 17:43

LuckyHazelFox · Today 17:20

Spot the difference between pedestrian lights and zebra crossings. Fuck me I need to hide this insane thread.

Nobody is forcing you to keep posting. You probably haven't even realised that you've reached such an entrenched position on this that your posts now read as though you are advocating for motorists never to stop at crossings, while you call everyone who doesn't agree with you ignorant or insane.

OP posts:
Shade17 · Today 17:45

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · Today 17:17

No it’s not. It’s compulsory to stop

Only if the pedestrian is already on the crossing.

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