Doing the Zebra

[steepholm]

Okay, I'm doing this mostly to see whether I can work out how to post a poll, but I am interested in the results, as it's a moral quandary that has stumped me for years...

[Poll #1808368]

Comments

[lamentables.livejournal.com]

I live in a place where the streets are not designed for modern traffic - there's a lot of giving way and being thoughtful required to make things work. About 90% of the time drivers politely thank each other and acknowledge the thanks. I think that makes everyone feel better and helps it feel as though the world is working smoothly.

Zebra crossings seem much the same to me. As a pedestrian I acknowledge drivers when they stop for me - if nothing else, it seems worth saying 'thanks for not being an arsehole'. And as a driver, I smile at the pedestrians when I've stopped for them.

I do also enjoy yelling obscenities at rude drivers and those who don't stop at zebra crossings.

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

It's also the usual practice here for drivers to nod and wave when giving way on narrow streets or passing places on single-track roads.