Do you thank people when youre crossing at a zebra crossing?
Posted by wineallwine@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 289 comments
I give a quick nod but my friend never does anything!
intenseskill@reddit
Just small wave.
rabidrob42@reddit
A little wave, especially when I'm with my fiance who's in a wheelchair, you'd be surprised how many people see the wheelchair, and speed up and don't stop.
Rocky-bar@reddit
Why on earth would they do that? Round my neck of the woods we tend to stop for wheelchair users whether it's a zebra crossing or not.
rabidrob42@reddit
In all fairness most people do, but it does catch us out when they don't, and they generally don't decide to speed up until they've got closer.
imminentmailing463@reddit
No. Drivers should stop at a zebra crossing. It's the baseline expectation. If someone lets me cross somewhere where it's doing me a favour because there's no requirement for them to stop, I thank them.
I don't thank them for stopping at a zebra crossing any more than I would thank them for not running a red light.
caniuserealname@reddit
I always find it weird when people argue their thanks needs to be earned through exceptional acts.
Do you really think your thanks are so valuable that they need to be withheld so arbitrarily?
imminentmailing463@reddit
I haven't said anything about exceptional acts. I always find it weird when people suggest Reddit comments say something they don't.
caniuserealname@reddit
Lol.. yes you did.. are you incapable of following your own comment?
You said that someone stopping at a zebra crossing shouldn't be thanked because they're doing what is expected of them. Your argument clearly isn't that nobody deserves to be thanked, which means you're arguing that people should only be thanked for acts that exceed expectation.. exceptional acts.
It was literally you're entire point.
imminentmailing463@reddit
The issue with your argument here is the suggestion that there is only a binary: things you should do and exceptional acts.
Flawed premise. There's lots of things that fall between those two.
caniuserealname@reddit
No i'm pretty sure you're just putting too much weight behind the word 'exceptional'. Anything that is an exception to what is normally expected is, by definition, 'exceptional'.
imminentmailing463@reddit
Well I'm not a mind reader. You should use language more specifically. I'm sorry if the English language confuses you.
greengrayclouds@reddit
This person doesn’t thank their waiter
imminentmailing463@reddit
Incorrect.
Breakwaterbot@reddit
And? The waitring staff at the restaurantshould bring me my food without dropping it. Doesn't mean I don't say thanks when they do. It's common decency.
imminentmailing463@reddit
Do you say thanks when drivers stop at red lights for you?
caniuserealname@reddit
They're not stopping at a red light for you, they're stopping at a red light for the red light.
BeatificBanana@reddit
No because they legally must stop at a red light. They don't have to stop at a zebra crossing unless the pedestrian has already walked out.
Breakwaterbot@reddit
Apple and oranges, mate.
imminentmailing463@reddit
So you keep saying, whilst also comparing apples oranges yourself.
nealbo@reddit
I get where you're coming from but I'd say the difference is that they stop for the red light, not for you specifically. Whether there is a person there or not they have to stop. Zebra crossing, they're stopping for you as you step into the road. No person there, they don't need to stop.
homelaberator@reddit
Are you the person who claps when the plane lands?
Breakwaterbot@reddit
No but I say thank you to the cabin crew when I'm getting off the plane.
Kitchen-Customer4370@reddit
Exactly. You shouldn't need the law to say whether to thank or not, it's morals. Morals vary of course, but considering they stop for you i think it's courteous to acknowledge them for stopping. I don't do it if multiple people before me are crossing though at the same time.
Certain_Scallion9433@reddit
And? you shouldn’t have to say thank you for not being run over
PsychologicalTowel79@reddit
"Thank you driver for achieving the bare minium that is expected from you."/s
GruffScottishGuy@reddit
That's a face to face interaction, 2 people having some sort of engagement.
No_Pineapple9166@reddit
It’s just to make the world a friendlier and more courteous place really, not because they’ve gone above and beyond. But it shouldn’t be expected.
AxeWieldingWoodElf@reddit
It’s like cars should wait behind parked cars on their side of the road to let me past on my side but I’ll still appreciate that they did it and raise a hand for it.
Inner-Status-7997@reddit
Yeah but they have to stop at a red light even if no one is there but they only stopped at the zebra because you were there.
chichidjdjx@reddit
Have you ever been cutoff at a zebra crossing before by a crook who probably wouldn’t have cared if he slammed into you? That’s that type of stuff that would make you not mind giving a little wave or smile.
homelaberator@reddit
Where does this occur? It's not legal to run people over, so I'd still expect them to stop.
90s_as_fuck@reddit
You sound like one of those guys who doesn't wave thanks at other cars if they stop to let you go when there's a parked car on their side of the road because technically it's you're right of way.
No_Razzmatazz6662@reddit
Most reddit response
imminentmailing463@reddit
Amusingly ironic.
Pedantichrist@reddit
I tend to acknowledge the front car at a pelican crossing, too.
They do not deserve it, but friendliness is contagious.
veryblocky@reddit
I do, I usually wave, or nod if my hands are full
trustmeimabuilder@reddit
I generally acknowledge the driver with a nod or a smile, because I appreciate that when I'm the one driving.
Nine_Eye_Ron@reddit
I usually give any cars that stop 2-3 bows as thanks, only adds 10 second or so per lane but it does get the message across.
Accurate_Prompt_8800@reddit
I do a little hand wave from time to time, but I think people forget that they should stop in accordance with the Highway Code, so they aren’t owed anything.
If they’re a dickhead that’s racing towards the crossing as I approach or trying to pressure me then I don’t acknowledge them at all.
Mayflie@reddit
I get pissed when they do.
Do they thank drivers that stop at red lights too?
BeatificBanana@reddit
No, because it's the law that you MUST stop at a red light. They're not stopping because they want to, they're stopping because they have to.
But it's not the law that you must stop if someone is waiting at a zebra crossing (only if they've already started crossing). The highway code says you should, but you don't have to. Where l I live, many people choose not to stop. So when someone does stop and let me cross I thank them because I appreciate it.
Mayflie@reddit
What are they waiting for?
If it’s for cars to stop or for them to pass that defeats the point of pedestrians having the right of way. They need to action it by stepping into the crosswalk.
BeatificBanana@reddit
I'm sorry, I'm not really sure what you're asking. Also, we don't say "crosswalk" here, are you American?
ctrlrgsm@reddit
I once was crossing on a really windy summer day. My hay fever was at its peak, I was sneezing, my nose was runny, my eyes were itchy and teary, it was hot, I was trying to keep my hair and flying debris and leaves off my eyes to prevent more irritation. You get the picture. All this while crossing to go home and get some relief. The driver that stopped angrily shouted at me ‘SAY THANK YOU’.
I was in such a state it definitely noticeable. I would’ve cried if I wasn’t already. I was too out of it to react but honestly that took away my will to do any more than make sure a driver has seen me.
I’ll half ass a wave or nod if they’re nice and slow down when they see me. For the assholes that are going fast and don’t slow down, making me question whether they’ve seen me in some weird power play, I wait until they come to a full stop in front of the crossing and then take my time. It’s my safety after all.
k3end0@reddit
That driver was a wanker. Expecting thanks for...checks papers...not running someone over is mental.
I'm part of the "fully stop at a zebra" crowd when I'm walking as well because it gives drivers more warning. Amount of times I've been a driver and been fully anticipating someone will cross, only to be right but they do so with the quickest military turn onto the zebra I've every seen with no looks or breaks in their stride is insane.
KeithMyArthe@reddit
Where I am, I understand that it's the law to only move off from a stop after the people are clear of the road, i.e., off of the zebra.
I've even been honked at for doing that.
Advanced-Arm-1735@reddit
I find 50% of my polite hand waves are more a, thanks for not running me over because for a split second I feel like you considered it.
ctrlrgsm@reddit
Hah yeah sometimes they’re more like a ‘stop’ motion disguised as a wave
Ok_Transition_3601@reddit
It's polite to is it?
Christ if I stopped to thank everyone who chooses not to kill or injure just because it's polite I'd never get anything done
Warburton379@reddit
Who said anything about stopping?
Intruder313@reddit
*must stop
KeyLog256@reddit
I will always stop at a zebra crossing, even slamming on and doing an emergency stop if someone walking down the pavement suddenly turns to cross it. I am religious about it.
But it is not the law to stop. The Highway Code is just guidelines and it is only law if it says you "must" do something.
Austen_Tasseltine@reddit
Just in case anyone has misunderstood you, the Highway Code does say you “must” stop when a pedestrian has set foot on a crossing (rule 195).
The “should” is for someone waiting to cross: while it’s not a criminal offence to ignore it, it would be likely to count against you if you were sued after after knocking over a pedestrian because you hadn’t slowed enough to stop while they were waiting to cross.
onionsofwar@reddit
They're sat in a warm, dry car on their arse. They'll probably get where they're going sooner than me so yeah take your time!
IthinkImightbeevil@reddit
Or they're in a car cause they have somewhere they actually need to be and soon, like work or a hospital appointment. Bit weird to assume that being in a car means you can fuck with their time.
LakesRed@reddit
Slight raise of the hand, probably not even noticeable sometimes. Thanks for doing what you're supposed to when so many don't.
LemonCurdJ@reddit
I only do when the car comes to a sudden stop and I feel like it was my fault they weren't paying attention.
Other than that, I don't because they should stop and if they don't know that then they need to go over the Highway Code.
PlasteeqDNA@reddit
For sure. Just a quick wave and nod.
No_Pineapple9166@reddit
When drivers start thanking me for waiting at the red man I’ll start thanking them for stopping at pedestrian crossings.
AnotherYadaYada@reddit
I give a little wave.
ChocolateQuest4717@reddit
I also do a little dance, then make a little love and just generally get down tonight
Outrageous_Ad9124@reddit
I always carry bamboo with me as well
Profession-Unable@reddit
And then get down again, just in case they didn’t see or hear it the first time.
Scart_O@reddit
There’s a hierarchy, black cabs get a nod, then white van man - he might get a nod too… but uber drivers are way down the list. I give them the wanker Todd
simonjp@reddit
Shake it, Chilli!
minimalisticgem@reddit
I send them a little kiss when I’m extra grateful.
AnotherYadaYada@reddit
Marilyn Monroe stylee.
therealdan0@reddit
You don’t sing the entire score to HMS Pinafore for them? How ungrateful can you be…
TMI2020@reddit
I do but for some reason after every performance, I continue to cross and step on a rake
AnotherYadaYada@reddit
I will now.
Pedantichrist@reddit
Give three cheers and one cheer more!
Outrageous_Ad9124@reddit
Yeah every time
kickerofbutts@reddit
Most of the time no, because I have right of way
m00shie1990@reddit
Not really because they’re supposed to stop anyway 😹
JonathnJms2829@reddit
No, it's the law for them to stop.
_I__yes__I_@reddit
I put my hand up / wave. Only ever to one direction of traffic though. Waving to one and then turning and waving to the other just feels like too much.
TheArmchairGymnast@reddit
I'm a driver. I don't expect people to say thank you for me stopping because it's what I have to do, but I do like it when people do (I do wave when crossing). But, if traffic stops both ways on a two-way road for a pedestrian to cross and said pedestrian thanks the driver on the other side, but doesn't thank me, I get very put out by that!
"Why did they thank them for stopping and not me?! What did I do wrong?!"
DennisTheConvict@reddit
I wave at both sides of traffic then do a little spin, finger guns, and a wink to the nearest side like I'm an 80's game show host.
_I__yes__I_@reddit
Wave to one, middle finger to the other
chabybaloo@reddit
Point to each driver and say do you guys know each other?
lampcatfern@reddit
Yes! Didn't even realise I do same, in one direction only, until I read your comment, haha! 😂
PersonalitySharp6894@reddit
Sometimes if it’s just me crossing
Tommy-Foxwell@reddit
Yes. I'm in a mobilty buggy, and people around here drive like crazy. Always acknowledge when they stop to let me cross.
Positive-Sound-4972@reddit
Only the people driving the cars
FootballPublic7974@reddit
Yes.
I know that they have to stop anyway, but it takes nothing to smile and wave, and it helps to reinforce good driving behaviour.
Bobbly_1010257@reddit
Small wave is essential.
No-Accident6125@reddit
Yes I do.
Adventurous_Rock294@reddit
Yeap....put my hand up slightly..
Delicious-Cut-7911@reddit
If I am alone , yes. If there is a crowd then no.
Narrow_Substance_100@reddit
I put my hand up in acknowledgement, like a wave but without the sideways motion. Just a way of indication gratitude, as there are plenty of arseholes who'd just drift straight through if they could.
However, I saw a driver complaining about arrogant pedestrians who do this, as they took it as a sign of being told to STOP, so now I feel like Magneto compelling their steel chassis to halt before me.
someonesintheparasol@reddit
Wild that people expect thanks at a zebra crossing. No, I don't pay any attention to drivers at a zebra crossing other than to ensure it looks like their vehicle is stopping.
Rough_And_Ready@reddit
Nope. It's my right of way. And I say this as a driver who also walks everywhere a lot...I don't wave to thank pedestrians waiting at the roadside to cross while I drive past if it's my right of way.
ctrlrgsm@reddit
I’m really surprised by the answers here honestly. The people moaning that it’s ’common courtesy’ sound weirdly entitled.
Like I’m polite as baseline, kind of I have the energy to spread some good, but zebra crossings really isn’t where you make a difference in someone’s day. I couldn’t give less of a fuck if someone thanks me when I’m driving, if I’m legally required to do something anyway.
Kitchen-Customer4370@reddit
How is it surprising? It's courtesy. Acknowledging someone's inconvenience so you can cross. Yes, legally it is required but it's not like anyone's thanking for following the law specifically is it. At the same time, it's not mandatory or bad if you don't.
Nerbelwerzer@reddit
As a pedestrian I am constantly having to stop, wait and make way for drivers even in many situations where I should have right of way. Has a driver ever thanked me? Have they fuck.
ctrlrgsm@reddit
Also a driver by definition is bringing in a several ton potentially lethal machine onto the roads. Zebra crossings are a way to mitigate the risk they are bringing in. Fuck em
ctrlrgsm@reddit
It just seems like some people are getting upset about the lack of thanking (I’ve been shouted ag before too). It’s giving ‘give us a smile darling’ type entitlement (not sexism specifically though) but it’s probably me being over sensitive to past experience
chicken_nugget94@reddit
I always do, the same way I thank a waiter for bringing my food etc, but im also the sort of weirdo who will say good morning to strangers i pass in the morning, but I don't think I've ever paid attention as to whether someone thanks me or not when I stop
Whythebigpaws@reddit
Yes. I would never ever expect a pedestrian to thank me for stopping at a pedestrian crossing. It's the highway code! I should stop, I'm not doing them a favour.
Zubi_Q@reddit
I put a thanks up with my hand. Not if they abruptly stop though
Chlorophilia@reddit
Damn, there are a lot of miserable bastards here. Yeah I give a wave. Because it's nice. I don't care that they're legally required to stop.
Redditfrom12@reddit
Yes, it costs nothing.
Historical-Car5553@reddit
Wave yes
xanalingusx@reddit
I do
Aprilprinces@reddit
Often and always if I see they slow down purposefully to let me go
GuiltyCredit@reddit
Yep as not everyone stops.
elhazelenby@reddit
You don't need to because you should stop at them anyway but it's polite to. Especially when many people don't respect it and drive past anyway.
TimeyWimey99@reddit
I do a quick nod before crossing quickly. I don’t wanna take the piss with it.
mc2609@reddit
Always
boredsittingonthebus@reddit
I strut across it like RuPaul. They should be thanking me for being so fabulous.
FrostyRydia@reddit
A little wave and a smile. If they nod or smile /wave back even better. We've both acknowledged each other.
Sometimes I mouth thank you as well if they have stopped literally in the middle of the road with traffic waiting behind them.
MadJohnFinn@reddit
When I'm driving, I'll always give a smile and a thumbs up if someone thanks me at a zebra crossing. I also appreciate grateful jogs.
I'll always do the same when I'm crossing, too, especially as I'm disabled and I know I'm holding them up.
heavybootsonmythroat@reddit
you're not heavy, you're my brother
Fornucopia@reddit
Is the 'thank you' a 'thank you' for not running you over in a section of the road that you are legally supposed to stop at? Because I don't believe that warrants a thanks. It's like thanking the chef of a restaurant for not stabbing you to death. It should be a given that he won't.
Intruder313@reddit
Nah I rarely do: do you wave at people stopping at a Pelican/Puffin red?
I don’t expect it when I drive and stop either.
SinsOfTheFurther@reddit
We shouldn't have to, but yes, I thank every car that chooses not to kill me today. A little positive reinforcement just might help the next pedestrian/cyclist/biker down the road.
MarilynMorose@reddit
Never, it is my god given council tax paying right to use those crossings
Trickypedia@reddit
Usually, yep.
NuclearCleanUp1@reddit
Yes. Car drivers have fragile egos and need to be thanked for not running me over.
mad-un@reddit
Only the ones I'm crossing with for accompanying me on my voyage 'cross the carriageway
Constant-Rutabaga-11@reddit
A little camp wave will do
ele0123@reddit
Usually yes, unless like they weren’t going to stop but had to.
Austen_Tasseltine@reddit
I generally wave, partly out of a belief that more friendly civility is better than less, but mostly because the extra movement makes me a bit more visible to the dozy cunts mindlessly clogging up inner London with their fucking cars.
mcdonalds69whore@reddit
Most the time I do, sometimes I forget and I’m distracted. I try not to feel too guilty though while I’m walking in the freezing rain and add 30 seconds to a driver sitting in their heated seat.
Dry-Structure-3885@reddit
Absolutely!
UberPadge@reddit
I put my hand up and imagine I’m a Jedi stomping the car with the force.
I wish I was joking but I swear to god, every time.
dingo_deano@reddit
Yes. I acknowledge every act of consideration to me from other humans. But there are some rude motherf@@kers out there. Makes my shit boil
Bottled_Void@reddit
Wave, nod and/or rush.
Minimum is one of these things.
Far_Tooth_7291@reddit
I give a hearty Huzzah
Kayanne1990@reddit
Of course. Who wouldn't do that? It's basically manners.
SuperSpidey374@reddit
Only if they did as they should by slowing down in good time. Anyone I see who clearly resents having to stop gets nothing.
BeanOnAJourney@reddit
This. If they come whizzing up to a zebra crossing with a face like thunder and only slam the brakes on at the very last minute (and, even worse, sit there revving while i'm crossing) then I'm taking as long as possible to cross and not even acknowledging them.
TheMidgetHorror@reddit
Yes, but then I've noticed loads of people do this in London.
Demostravius4@reddit
Of course, I'm polite. Simple palm towards them.
the1stAviator@reddit
I always give a thank you wave or polite gesture
TranslatorMoist6982@reddit
You gotta hit 'em with one of these
STOPtheRot2023@reddit
Yes, you're a prick if you don't.
EatingCoooolo@reddit
I do yes
Magnificent_Mallard@reddit
No, they must stop by law. I am not thanking someone for not breaking the law.
fursty_ferret@reddit
If they've had to go to extra effort and anticipated my need to cross, then yes. Otherwise, no, in the same way I don't thank someone who's stopped at a red light.
Thanking drivers for not killing me legitimises the "car greater than pedestrian" hierarchy we have here.
MorningSquare5882@reddit
I always give some kind of acknowledgment, usually raise my hand or nod. It costs nothing, and improves my day and probably the driver’s as well. The replies here saying the cars have to stop so why should you bother, make me sad. It’s so little effort to be courteous to people, and I’ve often had my mood lifted by unexpected courtesy from a stranger. Why not put a little niceness into the world, at no cost to yourself?
Pantomimehorse1981@reddit
I’d like to think in a polite person but it never really occurred to me, until a few years back just after crossing a guy got out his car and threatened to stab me due to the no thank you. He didn’t but now I just give a like cheers wave
ikiteimasu@reddit
Yes of course
Separate_Muffin_9431@reddit
Seems fitting since they have acknowledged you.
4n0nym0us_7@reddit
Of course!! Sometimes I’ll even surprise them with a quick jog to show how much guilt I feel for making them stop, even just for a second.
WestonsCat@reddit
Always stick my hand up and nod. I didn’t drive for many many years and now I understand the courtesy of seeing what pedestrians are doing or intend to do. But, there are absolute idiots out there that walk straight out like they are almost challenging the driver to make a mistake.
Complex_Hat_7@reddit
I always raise a hand to say thank you, unless if I have both hands full, then I’ll do an awkward nod in the direction of the car. Once I got shouted at for not saying thank you when I had, they just hadn’t seen me do it. Annoys me to this day.
Sufficient-Star-1237@reddit
Often I do
siliconsandwich@reddit
i wave thanks (or dance or vulcan salute) to those who actually stop. those who edge forward get a slow walk and no acknowledgement.
julesharvey1@reddit
To be honest i try to avoid zebra crossings as one side often stops but not the other.
Oneinabillionchance@reddit
I do a little hand wave and a smile. I heard sometime ago that a smile might be the only smile they see all day so it's ingrained within me.
damapplespider@reddit
Yes, I usually raise a hand as a thanks, particularly if they stopped just for me.
I also do it if they have been sat for a while if I’ve arrived after others have nearly finished crossing. I’m always in two minds if I’m going to reach a crossing then. Should I slow down so that the first car can get on their way again or speed up a little? I usually slow down so that at least one car starts moving again rather then creating a jam.
onionsofwar@reddit
That's extremely (maybe too?) considerate. A few seconds wait will surely not create a traffic jam haha.
Ok-Orchid-5646@reddit
Sometimes, but they should stop anyway, shouldn't they?
Scart_O@reddit
If you mean I thank them for not running me down on a pedestrian crossing…. Then no
UnlikelyChemistry949@reddit
One time I crossed a zebra with my hands in pockets - it was cold and dark in winter. After I crossed, the passenger in the stopped car wound down the window and shouted "don't say thank you then!!!!" So it's made me think I should thank. But to me, they HAVE to stop for pedestrian right of way. They're not doing a kindness or going out of their way, it's a traffic law. So personally I don't thank them for doing what they are supposed to do
ctrlrgsm@reddit
I’ve had the same happen in a slightly different situation, it made me want to stop thanking assholes in cars.
TheImplication696969@reddit
Yep always a hand up thanks and a nod and a smile, triple combo, I even wave thanks as a passenger in a car when someone lets us out if I’m in the front seat.
lavenderacid@reddit
I didn't even think about it until I was in a car with someone who went on an angry rant when someone didn't wave to them. They were FURIOUS, thought it was incredibly rude.
FantasticAnus@reddit
Got to be a special kind of entitled to expect thanks from a stranger for obeying the law!
Big-Swing3912@reddit
usually i just flick my hand up. but as a woman that's been shouted at by men in cars way too much i look to see if a man is driving, if so i usually don't say thankyou. silly i know but id rather not get any weird comments and someone complain in their car for five seconds than get catcalled
ctrlrgsm@reddit
No I get you it’s not silly
PinOwn4261@reddit
Always.
Give a little hand raise. It isn’t hard and it’s the nice thing to do. As a driver it drives me crazy when someone doesn’t.
27106_4life@reddit
Why? It's the law you stop.
PinOwn4261@reddit
I just think it’s polite like saying thanks for giving way while driving, it’s the law to give way but I’ll still say thanks for that
27106_4life@reddit
That's fine. I don't want drivers to think pedestrians owe them anything, when it's the other way around
PinOwn4261@reddit
Why does anyone owe someone something? Because the car is the danger in that situation?
27106_4life@reddit
The drivers aren't owed thanks. The pedestrians are owed a thanks from the drivers for giving up almost all the road space in the UK to the motorists
Gone_For_Lunch@reddit
It’s actually not.
It’s the law to stop if a pedestrian is already on the crossing. It’s only strongly advised to stop if they’re waiting.
dontdeltamedude@reddit
Exactly.
ctrlrgsm@reddit
Why? You stop at crossings for pedestrians, cars stop for you when you’re the pedestrian, and it’s the law. it’s such an odd thing to get hung up on.
PinOwn4261@reddit
I think it’s polite to easily and quickly acknowledge they’ve stopped for you and cross. I would do the same if a car stops at any time for me
ctrlrgsm@reddit
I was once crossing and was in a state where I wasn’t able to and didn’t have the presence of mind to wave. Driver shouted at me. I was in such a bad physical and mental state already and really didn’t need that.
Like it’s genuinely such an odd thing to get angry about, you said yourself it drives you crazy. Why? Is it disguised road rage? Entitlement about something you’re required to do?
I used to wave when I could but after that incident i mostly only wave or nod if a driver actively acknowledges me with a nod or smile.
PinOwn4261@reddit
When I say drives me crazy I wouldn’t shout at someone that’s extreme. It annoys me what’s wrong with that, I’m sure loads of things annoy you. Involving entitlement and disguised road rage, whatever that is I don’t know.
ctrlrgsm@reddit
Haha yep a ton of things annoy me. But I understand that they’re me things/quirks!
WhaleMeatFantasy@reddit
Always always always.
SomeCheck1987@reddit
I sometimes do a little wave but I’m awkward as fuck so sometimes don’t. You kinda have to stop, I don’t expect anyone to thank me for it when I’m doing what I should be doing when I’m the driver.
No-Tour1000@reddit
Normally, yes I do
FantasticAnus@reddit
Very occasionally, but it certainly shouldn't be expected. It's the law, I shouldn't need to thank you for following it.
Philthedrummist@reddit
I do usually give a quick wave. Wrist at waist level, palm towards the car. I know that cars are supposed to stop at zebra crossings but I always feel awkward so a little wave just breaks the tension quite nicely. 😂
quite_acceptable_man@reddit
Eye contact with the driver to make sure they've seen me, then a quick nod.
dynastycrash@reddit
Your friend is an entitled prick 😂
ThrowawayForCrimes@reddit
"Thank you for not murdering me"
SoggyWotsits@reddit
I give a little smile or put my hand up yes. I know Reddit will say that it’s the law that cars have to stop and pedestrians shouldn’t have to be grateful for not being run over… but it’s nice to be nice!
randomaccess24@reddit
Yes but I am an undiagnosed chronic purple people pleaser
daddywookie@reddit
Standard stop gets a nod. Alert quick stop gets a wave. Last minute anchors because they didn't see me already crossing gets angry frown. Pulling away while I'm still crossing gets a pause and a head shake.
knight-under-stars@reddit
I do not no, not so I expect thanks when I stop my car at a zebra crossing.
It's just following the rules. You don't thank people who stop at a red light.
thefrickenAJP8@reddit
Hell yeah
Immediate-Tooth-2174@reddit
Yes, a little wave if my hands are free, or a nod if my hands are full.
Common_Upstairs_1710@reddit
I usually windmill my cock at them, then carry on
Lindon-jog-jog@reddit
Yes, common courtesy to do so.
wineallwine@reddit (OP)
But what do you do? Tiny nod? Wave ? Mouth thanks or say it?
dprophet32@reddit
You're overthinking it. Do what's natural
For me it's a hand up in acknowledgement and maybe a "cheers" facial expression if I happen to look their way
secretvictorian@reddit
I lift my hand up and mouth "thanks" while my 8 year old son actually waves to them. Its quite cute really.
Lindon-jog-jog@reddit
A smile and thumb up.
MarkinW8@reddit
A slight head lift. The “thanks for not being an asshole” nod.
encoding314@reddit
Zebra crossings, yes. Pelican crossing (traffic lights), no.
dprophet32@reddit
Yup, it's just polite even if they're supposed to it doesn't hurt to give a small save and a thanks
Sad_Cardiologist5388@reddit
Yes always wave when I can, nod if I've got my hands full.
charlescorn@reddit
Depends. Usually not. I might give a slight wave to the vehicle that stopped to my right, but then I feel I need to acknowledge the stopped vehicle on the opposite side of the road, so it all gets a bit clumsy as I've got to wave both arms, and turn both ways. I'd rather just focus on crossing the road safely.
Secret_Owl3040@reddit
I'm just imagining you crossing the road flailing your arms like a helicopter 😂
theroadgoeseveronon@reddit
A wave and a little jog, nothing too fast, but fast enough to feel my fat giggle, mostly exaggerated arm running movements
VastYogurtcloset8009@reddit
I shout thank you as loud as I can
Noriakii_Kakyoinn@reddit
I thank them for not being stupid and killing me
Dashie_2010@reddit
No, never. Legally they are required to stop.
Buffy_Geek@reddit
Yes, always. There was a zebra crossing outside the nursery I attended, where I was taught to say thank you to the drivers, I just continued that into adulthood.
When I got older and my grandma became slower I was also genuinely grateful to the drivers who would stop, or not start inching forward to pressure my grandma to move faster.
reabird@reddit
Not if they drive up fast and only stop at the last minute. Then I deliberately do not. It's my right of way. The ones who slow early get the big guns...a thank you wave, a smile, AND the little run so the road is clear for them faster. They deserve it.
Prestigious-Breath-1@reddit
Nope, it's the one time as a non car owner where I feel like I've got the upper hand on the roads, so I strut over the crossing like it's my own personal catwalk
IcemanGeneMalenko@reddit
Always.
And when I'm driving about, it's normally always younger folk, chavs and mandems, ironically. The rebellious type. Older codgers don't give you the time of day.
ctrlrgsm@reddit
You’re a car driving around, there are thousands in the city, they’re mostly annoying ngl, I don’t understand why they should give you the time of day?
IcemanGeneMalenko@reddit
A little thing called courtesy , if chavs and yobs can thank a stranger for stopping at a zebra crossing, the people who look down the noses at chavs and yobs can do, too
ctrlrgsm@reddit
It sounds like you’re the one looking down at them though…
wineallwine@reddit (OP)
But what do you do? Say thanks? Mouth it ? Wave ? Nod ?
IcemanGeneMalenko@reddit
Slightly raise my hand in a thanks motion
wineallwine@reddit (OP)
Good chap!
Acceptable-Baker8161@reddit
It’s customary to only thank the zebra himself. He’s got to stand there all day doing the Lord’s work.
oldmanskank@reddit
Yes always
smoulderstoat@reddit
I do, but I'm not entirely sure why I should thank people for obeying the law and not running me over. I think it's one of those things you do like apologising to lampposts I have accidentally walked into.
intangible-tangerine@reddit
Depends on traffic and time of day. If it's busy I'll just cross to let the flow of traffic resume. If it's quiet I will give a little smile and wave but it's not a thank you for obeying the law, it's just an acknowledgement of. Fellow human like saying how do ye do when you pass someone walking on the street
MiniCale@reddit
I tend to give a half arsed nod as they should stop.
Too many drivers speed across zebra crossings in my town and it pisses me off.
OldGuto@reddit
Only if in my eyes they didn't really need to stop - i.e. they were very close to the crossing.
As a driver I don't expect any sort of thanks for obeying the rules of the road.
naitch44@reddit
Yes I do.
pgnlzbth@reddit
I little wave of acknowledgment
Pentax25@reddit
Yeah always. I figure it takes zero effort on my part and it just might renew someone’s faith in the world if only for a small moment.
If I can do something at zero cost to me that will make someone else happier then why not do it?
Lavender_sergeant@reddit
I put my hand up, but I also feel rather awkward about the entire road crossing experience.
ImpressNice299@reddit
Yep. Partly gratitude, but mostly to communicate that I’m crossing and check they’ve seen me.
little_odd_me@reddit
A little wave and a nod. Sure they are only following the rules but it’s nice to appreciate others for being a good fellow citizen, there’s so many out there who just fly through them.
killingmehere@reddit
If I'm on my own I do a wee wave, if I'm with my toddler he does the waves because he loves cars and I think its cute
neezden@reddit
I don't, not because I'm not thankful, more that I feel I am thanking them by just crossing promptly and not wasting that extra second by waving.
manmanania@reddit
The thing is, if someone does thank you, they think you're nuts. If somebody walked across the zebra crossing skipping along and going "Thank you very much, thank you ever so much for stopping!" the driver would say "he's f-ing nuts!"
Brisball@reddit
Thank you for not killing me, asshole.
zoehester@reddit
Little raise of the hand an a smile. If the kids are with me I will say ‘thank you’ as well. Passing on manners and all that.
PreparationHealthy37@reddit
Never understood why but a mate of mine does it at pelican crossings
x99kjg@reddit
Always, costs nothing to show manners.
Hungry-Falcon3005@reddit
No. I’m not thanking them for doing something there supposed to be doing
Breakwaterbot@reddit
What a horrible way to be. It's nice to acknowledge that someone has done something like that even though it's setting they're supposed to do. It's called having manners.
Do you also not thank a waiter when they bring your food? Or say thanks to the bus driver?
dave8271@reddit
Why have you not thanked the person you're replying to for not abusing you? Presumably because you don't view that as providing you as a service and it's just the bare minimum level of human decency you expect.
dontdeltamedude@reddit
😂 Well said.
dave8271@reddit
Genuinely though, what I don't understand about this is virtually no one who waves on a zebra crossing would do the same on a green man at traffic lights, to thank a car for not ploughing through a red light. But it's the same obligation. I would never expect any sort of gratitude as a driver for stopping at a zebra, some people do give a little wave, some don't, but I've never once looked at anyone who didn't and thought what a rude prick, as if I'm doing them a favour by not flagrantly disregarding the rules of the road.
NarwhalsAreSick@reddit
Every time this question comes up you get these people with a weird chip on their shoulder about it. Refuse to acknowledge someone stopping to let them by.
Same as when you have right of way on a road and the other car yields, yeah, they're supposed to, but its nice to give a little wave of acknowledgement. I find it strange when people give themselves a rule about not being polite.
Breakwaterbot@reddit
It's an awful way to be, isn't it. It's just rude. Manners don't cost anything and it's no effort to be nice to people for the smallest things. The world would be a much better place if more people were.
NarwhalsAreSick@reddit
Yeah. It's strange. It's nice to be nice. A smile and a wave makes the world a friendlier place.
imminentmailing463@reddit
Do you thank drivers when they stop at a red light?
Breakwaterbot@reddit
Apples and oranges, mate.
imminentmailing463@reddit
Whereas these are definitely all identical apples
blackmanchubwow@reddit
Its not a red light though
rc_bris@reddit
Exactly. No one would ever thank a driver who stopped at a red light. They're not doing a favour by letting you cross.
Breakwaterbot@reddit
But they've noticed you are there and stopped. Yes they're supposed to have done it, but you're the visual queue that has resulted in them stopping so it's common courtesy to say thanks for them reading that signal to stop. A traffic light can't do that because it's an inanimate object.
Unlikely-Security123@reddit
Do you not thank anybody other than someone going out of their way for you? Cabbies, bus drivers, waiters, bar staff, etc...?
wineallwine@reddit (OP)
That's what my friend is saying
lyta_hall@reddit
Yeah, I wave my hand/smile
boulder_problems@reddit
No. Seems bonkers to me. Cars and drivers already get and take up so much space, they don’t need thanked just for stopping their car. But I am autistic so don’t get many of these weird conventions anyway.
The fact this infuriates some drivers will always bring me joy though.
tommyredbeard@reddit
Depends how they stop
twowheeledfun@reddit
It's a driver's legal responsibility to stop for you. I don't thank everyone for doing the bare minimum that's legally required of them all the time.
dontdeltamedude@reddit
Exactly.
fantazmagoricle@reddit
A bit of common courtesy goes a long way
27106_4life@reddit
Nope, I dont expect people to need thanks for obeying traffic laws. I don't thank them for using their turn signals either.
dontdeltamedude@reddit
This is the correct answer.
lampcatfern@reddit
Yes!
Usually a small hurried wave, and/or sometimes a nod, sometimes a mouthed thanks...🫡
Always feels awkward! 🤪
But still do it every time...not sure why! 😏
a1edjohn@reddit
Small nod, little wave & smile and say thank you. On the other hand anyone that doesn't stop gets the middle finger.
Politicub@reddit
Zebra crossing? No. Pelican crossing? Yes.
Kind-Photograph2359@reddit
A little half arsed wave.
If someone stops to let me cross a road where there's no crossing then they'll get a thumbs up and maybe even a smile.
Strict_Working_2238@reddit
I do
StezzaMezza@reddit
I do not and I get annoyed when people thank me.
darkfloofi@reddit
always put my hand up and i say thank you even though they can’t hear me 🙃
mr-dirtybassist@reddit
Yes I nod. More often than not though drivers just ignore that there is a zebra crossing. So I appreciate when they actually stop
bridge151@reddit
I make eye contact early - I keep it for as long as possible - and hold my hand still in the air.
I NEED them to know that I give thanks.
TommyAtoms@reddit
I do, unless it's a BMW or Audi.
LunarWelshFire@reddit
I’ve been in two minds about this guy for a few years now I think this has just tipped it over the edge. This guy is a charlatan and a shill! I think it went to his head and he’s gonna step too far into the bizarre
eelam_garek@reddit
I always do a little wave. Especially if someone notices at the last second and does an emergency stop. Those guys get a big wave and a complimentary nod.
Tranquillian@reddit
Personally I pretend to be hanging around not wanting to cross and just wait for there to be no cars, because anxiety. Don’t want to be inconveniencing drivers.
Accurate_Prompt_8800@reddit
That’s the wrong thing to be doing. Drivers are supposed to stop if they see you at the crossing, so all you’re doing is confusing them or making them slow down for nothing which is actually more annoying. It’s not an inconvenience, they should be waiting for you. Get over yourself and cross the damn road.
Tranquillian@reddit
I don’t hang around AT the crossings, I’m just nearby thanks, I overthink things enough to not be that dumb
Nyx_Necrodragon101@reddit
Sometimes depends if I'm in a rush.
ANUFC14@reddit
Depends how close to the crossing they were when I get near. If they stop when they probably could have went over it before I got there I’ll give a wave, if I’m already crossing when they get there they get nothing.
cherales@reddit
Varies from a small nod, a small wave, a mouthed “thank you”. To all those who do nothing I hope you get to meet Dom Joly…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r-v7w5CL6EU&t=39s&pp=2AEnkAIB
ChocolateQuest4717@reddit
Yep, always give a wee wave of thanks. Just like I do when someone gives way on a road, even when I have priority, it's just nice to be nice!
bisexuallish@reddit
I put my hand up if someone has made an effort to stop (like when you can tell they’ve braked) but if they just slow down I don’t because they’re meant to stop if there’s a pedestrian.
PdiddySmith@reddit
He imagines a universe where pedestrians hand out Oscars for Best Supporting Driver, but sadly, it's just him and his nod on stage.
KingsFontaine@reddit
I smile, nod and then do an awkward little run to try and demonstrate that I don't want to delay them any further.
JinxThePetRock@reddit
It depends. If they stopped like a normal person, then I'll put up a hand and say thankyou. If they stopped at the last second and sit there revving, or glaring, like my existence has ruined their entire life, then I give no thanks and walk across more slowly.
PKblaze@reddit
A nod unless it felt like they were going to run me over.
A wanker hand sign or a flipped bird if you speed past and don't even bother to stop when legally you should.
OranjeBrian@reddit
I always give a visual or verbal thank you to anyone that’s done something for me, whether it was expected or not.
But then again I’m not a self centered narcissist
alloitacash@reddit
Yeah, always show a little appreciation for not running me over.
NoPainting7356@reddit
I try to. Sometimes I have my hands full with shopping or my heads in another place.
Consistent_Dust_2332@reddit
A nod is pretty normal, I think?
jerusalemdd@reddit
Quick wave, whilst looking the other way
Gorgonite2024@reddit
Always
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