Zebra crossings

[Dressinggown]

Another rant:

I cross my local road a few times a day. It would be more convenient to just walk across the road but I walk a further 50 yards and use the Zebra Crossing, being the sensible and responsible individual that I am.

However, about 50% of drivers just don't give a flying f*ck about even stopping. There could be reason to blame it on young drivers but that's certainly not the case.

Elderly drivers just happily go on their merry way without any consideration for anything. I walked out the other day and some old bag pressed on her car horn until I had reached the other side.

[fidelcastro]

Another rant:

I cross my local road a few times a day. It would be more convenient to just walk across the road but I walk a further 50 yards and use the Zebra Crossing, being the sensible and responsible individual that I am.

However, about 50% of drivers just don't give a flying f*ck about even stopping. There could be reason to blame it on young drivers but that's certainly not the case.

Elderly drivers just happily go on their merry way without any consideration for anything. I walked out the other day and some old bag pressed on her car horn until I had reached the other side.

I know exactly what you mean. That's why I always give a thankyou wave to the drivers that do bother to stop.

As for the old bag, I would have just given her the signal that it was twice that you'd crossed the road that day!

[Dressinggown]

I always give a thumbs up to all drivers who allow me to cross.

Being a level headed individual I chosed to let the incident pass.

Otherwise, I was sorely tempted to drag her out of the car and kick the living crap.out of her.

[Bosscat]

I know exactly what you mean. That's why I always give a thankyou wave to the drivers that do bother to stop.

As for the old bag, I would have just given her the signal that it was twice that you'd crossed the road that day!

Or that it was the 1st time today

[Dressinggown]

Taxi drivers, who can be accused of flaunting the road rules on occasion, always stop.

[Wokingclaret]

Noticed in Burnley when the green man is on there is no bleeps

[Quickenthetempo]

You're definitely talking about the Zebra crossing outside Padiham medical centre. You take your life in your own hands there.
It was safer crossing roads in Thailand.

[Dressinggown]

You're definitely talking about the Zebra crossing outside Padiham medical centre. You take your life in your own hands there.
It was safer crossing roads in Thailand.

No, further up town.

[shulgin]

This seems to be getting worse every year. Shows how selfish people have become in this country. This includes not stopping for red lights and parking wherever they want.

[Commy]

I always give a thumbs up to all drivers who allow me to cross.

Being a level headed individual I chosed to let the incident pass.

Otherwise, I was sorely tempted to drag her out of the car and kick the living crap.out of her.

You should be called Dressingdown

[Dressinggown]

The Police use these stinger devices which deflates the tyres of fleeing vehicles.

Why not have a pop up version for motorists who are about to run you over on a crossing ? An added bonus would be that you could give the occupants a good hiding before they can get away.

[Dressinggown]

.... unless you have already been run over.

[The Shire Claret]

The worst drivers on the road including at zebra crossings seems to be older men …

Act like they wrote the Highway Code and they can amend it to suite their driving as they see fit.

I saw a guy yesterday in Harrogate as I’m sat having a pint reverse his car into a space that would leave the person in front and behind him unable to get out of their spaces.

I was waiting for him to check, realise and move it …. Not a chance

Proper selfish

.. not eveyone I should add but that’s my experience

[ClaretPete001]

Is it illegal to run people over in Padiham? I'm going to have to change my ways.

[mdd2]

Noticed in Burnley when the green man is on there is no bleeps

Boots do a good service in hearing aids.

[Clovius Boofus]

We now live in a me-first and feck everybody else country.

The other day, while I was waiting at the traffic lights on Eastern Ave, I saw an elderly woman nearly get smashed into by a fully decked out Lycra wearing cyclist. He decided that red lights didn't apply to him and at some speed, he headed for the dropped curb on the opposite side of the road and nearly smacked into the old lady while she was walking onto Eastern Ave from Widow Hill road. The cyclist wasn't a kid, either. He looked to be well into his 50s. Selfish tosser.

[Bow]

I was nearly run over by a dozy old bloke on the crossing outside Romero’s in Whalley a while ago, he only braked at the last second, I presume he somehow hadn’t seen me.

[Caballo]

This seems to be getting worse every year. Shows how selfish people have become in this country. This includes not stopping for red lights and parking wherever they want.

Red lights have become 'advisory ' now, the volume of drivers who think the laws are for everyone else is staggering.

[Burnley1989]

I failed my driving test first time for nearly running a jogger over in nelson on a crossing, the instuctor slammed on and i almost went through the windscreen

[Clovius Boofus]

Off-topic, but since when was it okay to allow your dog to jump up at people who are clearly walking by while minding their own business? It's so selfish. Fair enough if the person has beckoned your dog towards them, but if not, then call your dog back. This is what I used to do when we had our Westie. I didn't let him bother others because I fully understand that some people want to be left alone, not to mention getting covered in mud.

If you are incapable of training your dog the basics - like 'come to heel' when called, then keep your dog on a leash. It's not too much to ask. Also, others will consider you to be a responsible dog walker, and not a thick, selfish chav.

[turfytopper]

Another rant:

I cross my local road a few times a day. It would be more convenient to just walk across the road but I walk a further 50 yards and use the Zebra Crossing, being the sensible and responsible individual that I am.

However, about 50% of drivers just don't give a flying f*ck about even stopping. There could be reason to blame it on young drivers but that's certainly not the case.

Elderly drivers just happily go on their merry way without any consideration for anything. I walked out the other day and some old bag pressed on her car horn until I had reached the other side.

I urge you to watch the programme i saw on Channel 5 last night.
Think it was called Cause of Death. Shocked to the core.

[aclaretinstevenage]

Just back from Zurich where there are two types of Zebra crossings, on major roads the crossings are controlled by traffic lights and all pedestrians actually wait for the green light symbol to appear once traffic stops.

The other type on "lesser" roads have signs showing pedestrians have priority - and boy don't they know it - no stopping to look just walk out and across they go, mind you speed limits ( strictly enforced) in City and Town centres can be 20km/ hr ( about 13 mph).

[turfytopper]

I was nearly run over by a dozy old bloke on the crossing outside Romero’s in Whalley a while ago, he only braked at the last second, I presume he somehow hadn’t seen me.

Probably because he couldn't see you.

Just watch the programme from last night on Channel 5 "Cause of Death".
Set in Lancashire. It was shocking.

[Jakubclaret]

Off-topic, but since when was it okay to allow your dog to jump up at people who are clearly walking by while minding their own business? It's so selfish. Fair enough if the person has beckoned your dog towards them, but if not, then call your dog back. This is what I used to do when we had our Westie. I didn't let him bother others because I fully understand that some people want to be left alone, not to mention getting covered in mud.

If you are incapable of training your dog the basics - like 'come to heel' when called, then keep your dog on a leash. It's not too much to ask. Also, others will consider you to be a responsible dog walker, and not a thick, selfish chav.

It's not good especially if you are wearing clean clothes & want to look smart. I find a complete lack of attention in them kind of scenarios is caused by the owners being engrossed on their phones & completely oblivious to anything & everything apart from the phone the same applies to dog fouling.

[ClaretPete001]

It's not good especially if you are wearing clean clothes & want to look smart. I find a complete lack of attention in them kind of scenarios is caused by the owners being engrossed on their phones & completely oblivious to anything & everything apart from the phone the same applies to dog fouling.

An alternative solution to the problem is not wearing clean clothes or wanting to look smart. Works for me, a dog jumps up at me and I just think that inconsiderate dog owner is going to have to clean those paws. Serves them right.

[Jakubclaret]

An alternative solution to the problem is not wearing clean clothes or wanting to look smart. Works for me, a dog jumps up at me and I just think that inconsiderate dog owner is going to have to clean those paws. Serves them right.

I guess or just wear disposable coveralls when out & about. The expectation that somebody else's pet isn't my problem is just plain wrong.

[ClaretPete001]

I guess or just wear disposable coveralls when out & about. The expectation that somebody else's pet isn't my problem is just plain wrong.

Naaah disposable ones are bad for the environment. Just get a pair of dungarees like the ones 'a man named Jeb used to wear'

I'm only joking, I agree with you

[Jakubclaret]

Naaah disposable ones are bad for the environment. Just get a pair of dungarees like the ones 'a man named Jeb used to wear'

I'm only joking, I agree with you

I know I'm playing along.

[elwaclaret]

I find these days that courtesy is something people just think women do when they meet posh people. The roads are just a mirror of how society is failing, no one seems to think about anything beyond the end of their own noses.

[Jakubclaret]

I find these days that courtesy is something people just think women do when they meet posh people. The roads are just a mirror of how society is failing, no one seems to think about anything beyond the end of their own noses.

I've said it before regarding driving there's a lack of people who are calm & relaxed & that could potentially change with the right sort of will. Society is too fast paced with people thinking that they need to get to A&B in nano seconds jumping red lights & not slowing down & just generally being knobheads on the road.

[Bosscat]

I have never understood why folk would wish to walk (or cycle) whilst wearing earbuds listening to music or podcasts... there was someone run over a while back ... just stepped out into the road oblivious to the traffic.

Its not always the drivers at fault.

Be aware of the road around you and road users be they cars trucks bikes etc.

[wilks_bfc]

I was nearly taken out going to Burnley on Eastern Avenue the other day by some knob coming the over way overtaking on the bend by the nursery.
It narrowly missed both me and the other car by pulling back in front of the car it had passed

The young lass in the car it overtook looked prettified

[Elizabeth]

If the OP is looking for more old ladies to kick the crap out of at Zebra crossings he could have a field day in Padiham, the 'Land of zebra crossings'

[GetIntoEm]

The flip side of this is that people have forgotten how to cross roads, or choose to take their life into their own hands.

The amount of scruffy kids about that just walk into roads, or from behind parked cars and just look at you is staggering.

Bring back the green cross code man.

I'm honestly shocked there are not more kids knocked down, they literally don't have the mental capacity to go to a crossing and wait for it to be safe.

[jrgbfc]

The flip side of this is that people have forgotten how to cross roads, or choose to take their life into their own hands.

The amount of scruffy kids about that just walk into roads, or from behind parked cars and just look at you is staggering.

Bring back the green cross code man.

I'm honestly shocked there are not more kids knocked down, they literally don't have the mental capacity to go to a crossing and wait for it to be safe.

Or when people are glued to their phones and step out into the road completely oblivious.

[karatekid]

Some pedestrians are obsessed with ‘having priority’ at crossings and junctions. It won’t end well for them. Wait until it’s clear or the cars stop. Simple.

[IanMcL]

Taxi drivers, who can be accused of flaunting the road rules on occasion, always stop.

Paid to wait!

[Somethingfishy]

Another rant:

I cross my local road a few times a day. It would be more convenient to just walk across the road but I walk a further 50 yards and use the Zebra Crossing, being the sensible and responsible individual that I am.

However, about 50% of drivers just don't give a flying f*ck about even stopping. There could be reason to blame it on young drivers but that's certainly not the case.

Elderly drivers just happily go on their merry way without any consideration for anything. I walked out the other day and some old bag pressed on her car horn until I had reached the other side.

On the subject of elderly women drivers this reminded me of an incident I had a couple of months ago. I was driving along Dryden St in Padiham towards the lights. Now..the end of Dryden St nearest the lights often has parked cars on both sides but it still has plenty enough room for cars to pass each other. This old dear had other ideas and as I got to the crossroads with Victoria Road I was about to head along this last section she decided she wanted to drive down the middle of the road. I carried on cautiously expecting her to resume her place on her side of the road. No..she ploughed on. I had reached the point where I had a parked car to the left of me so couldn't really move and she beeped furiously as she was forced onto her side of the road at the last minute.
I was gobsmacked..and raging. Expletives galore. I'd done nothing wrong yet she genuinely thought she had the right to drive down the middle and i was wrong for just driving down my side of the road. She must have had serious spatial awareness issues and was of the belief two cars couldn't pass easily..they could.
Some people....

[elwaclaret]

I've said it before regarding driving there's a lack of people who are calm & relaxed & that could potentially change with the right sort of will. Society is too fast paced with people thinking that they need to get to A&B in nano seconds jumping red lights & not slowing down & just generally being knobheads on the road.

Agree with all of this but with a caveat: Speed limits are set for safe speeds; travelling over Haslingden old road from Oswaldtwistle to Rawtenstall daily the number of people who trundle along at 20-30 miles per hour along the entire length of the road despite clear road signs and road markings stating 30-40-50 is enough to try the patience of a saint. On a timetable (I work for myself in the morning then act as carer for my parents in the afternoon); know I need to be through Rawtenstall by 3.00pm can add another half an hour for for the journey due to school traffic (most of which are picking up one little darling that is too precious to walk). That half an hour means it’s after seven pm when I’m getting home, meaning I’m robbed of an extra couple of hours evening work time… because people who have nowhere to be trundle around like sissy in the summertime at half the speed limit.

[Jakubclaret]

Agree with all of this but with a caveat: Speed limits are set for safe speeds; travelling over Haslingden old road from Oswaldtwistle to Rawtenstall daily the number of people who trundle along at 20-30 miles per hour along the entire length of the road despite clear road signs and road markings stating 30-40-50 is enough to try the patience of a saint. On a timetable (I work for myself in the morning then act as carer for my parents in the afternoon); know I need to be through Rawtenstall by 3.00pm can add another half an hour for for the journey due to school traffic (most of which are picking up one little darling that is too precious to walk). That half an hour means it’s after seven pm when I’m getting home, meaning I’m robbed of an extra couple of hours evening work time… because people who have nowhere to be trundle around like sissy in the summertime at half the speed limit.

In my opinion some people need medically prescribed mild tranquillisers for driving if it's completely necessary & assessments have taken place prior. I believe people who are stressed out for whatever reason are dangerous behind the wheel & precautionary action should be taken before accidents occur. It's trialled experimental measured doses. I feel safer as a fellow motorist when people are relaxed even though the reaction times are slower I can react to allow that.

[fatboy47]

Pedestrians are becoming a real pain. People should be discouraged from walking, especially near busy roads. Plenty of good footpaths around for that kind of thing.

[elwaclaret]

In my opinion some people need medically prescribed mild tranquillisers for driving if it's completely necessary & assessments have taken place prior. I believe people who are stressed out for whatever reason are dangerous behind the wheel & precautionary action should be taken before accidents occur. It's trialled experimental measured doses. I feel safer as a fellow motorist when people are relaxed even though the reaction times are slower I can react to allow that.

Not sure tranquillising is the answer, it seems to me as big a problem as speeding is the complete lack of attention paid by people’s minds wandering. One of the benefits of my autism is extreme visual (and audial) awareness, while this is a curse in daily life it means I am ultra aware of what is going on around me on the road. I stick to speed limits (within allowance) but have on numerous occasions had passengers who are themselves drivers literally in awe at my reaction time when unexpected events occur. In reality it is just that my brain processes what is occurring far more rapidly and at a far larger range than the average brain… something I found out on a speed awareness course (an un-sign posted speed change on a road I once drove daily) when I was told to stop answering and give others a chance during the observation test. But, sadly it means I also spot zombie drivers on the road far more regularly.

[Jakubclaret]

Not sure tranquillising is the answer, it seems to me as big a problem as speeding is the complete lack of attention paid by people’s minds wandering. One of the benefits of my autism is extreme visual (and audial) awareness, while this is a curse in daily life it means I am ultra aware of what is going on around me on the road. I stick to speed limits (within allowance) but have on numerous occasions had passengers who are themselves drivers literally in awe at my reaction time when unexpected events occur. In reality it is just that my brain processes what is occurring far more rapidly and at a far larger range than the average brain… something I found out on a speed awareness course (an un-sign posted speed change on a road I once drove daily) when I was told to stop answering and give others a chance during the observation test.

In fairness I did say trialled experimental measured doses of tranquillers. I'm all for giving things a go & let's see what happens if it works let's proceed with the idea if it doesn't kibosh the idea. I'd give people diazepam people are already driving about coked up causing mayhem let's go the other way.

[Dressinggown]

I urge you to watch the programme i saw on Channel 5 last night.
Think it was called Cause of Death. Shocked to the core.

I took upon your recommendation and watched the documentary.

I wasn't really that shocked. People just do what they want in self interest. It's just that I don't give a crap about anyone else attitude.

The focus was on elderly drivers who can't see their own hands in front of their face, yet still retain a driving license. On the flip side some of the pedestrians just don't bother looking at the traffic.

From this there have been calls for regular optical tests from the DVLA. I'm unsure that you can test the mental capacity of our senior citizens who decide to take to the road in their vehicles.

[Corway]

My grandson had a driving lesson devoted to the 5 different crossings in the Highway Code! Our local council refused to instal a zebra crossing as there were none and people wouldn’t know how to use them.

Zebras have a lit orange dome on a black and white pole - cars don’t have to stop till someone puts their foot on the crossing. Pedestrians are supposed to wait for traffic to stop before crossing

This explains how to use them and how ones with lights (pelicans, puffins, toucans (for people and bikes) and Pegasus (for horses) )
work.
https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/rules-f ... sings.html


Keep safe

[dsr]

Zebras have a lit orange dome on a black and white pole - cars don’t have to stop till someone puts their foot on the crossing.

But you'd better be slowing down in advance because once that foot is on the crossing, you must slam on the brakes! In practice, you stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings.

[dsr]

Some pedestrians are obsessed with ‘having priority’ at crossings and junctions. It won’t end well for them. Wait until it’s clear or the cars stop. Simple.

"Here lies the body of Michael Day,
Who insisted on having his right of way.
His cause was just and his will was strong,
But he's just as dead as if he'd been wrong."

Part of the problem is that they don't learn to cross roads when they're children, and teenage years aren't necessarily the best time for parents to tell the kids what they must do. The standard of road-crossing at the traffic light outside Burnley college is poor, though I dare say a lot of it is just attitude.

[Roosterbooster]

Some pedestrians are obsessed with ‘having priority’ at crossings and junctions. It won’t end well for them. Wait until it’s clear or the cars stop. Simple.

Isn't it now the rule due to a Highway Code change that pedestrians have priority at junctions?

[Falcon]

The Highway Code now says you 'should' give way to pedestrians at junctions, not that you 'must'.

It's a total fudge - either go the whole hog or not at all.

[AfloatinClaret]

The Highway Code now says you 'should' give way to pedestrians at junctions, not that you 'must'.

It's a total fudge - either go the whole hog or not at all.

I disagree, as in consideration also needs to be given to other traffic: There's a junction a half mile from our place which had had three or four bumps in the last few months: If you stop before making your turn to allow pedestrians priority when the traffic's heavy, you will immediately have three or four cars queued up behind you, with the rear end of the last one being only a few metres beyond the brow of a hill; locals know to be wary, but if the next car over that brow isn't local, they run into the back of the last waiting car.

As for the original post - which is why I was going to post a reply in the first place - While out in the car half an hour ago I stopped at a Zebra crossing, as did the two cars behind me, to allow a lady with a pushchair to cross. Fortunately that pushchair only contained a dog rather than a kiddie, as the bicycle which trundled up the inside of us all ploughed into it just as it was emerging from behind my car's bonnet. The cyclist's initial reaction was to hurl abuse at the lady for 'not looking out for bikes coming up the inside'; fortunately (or perhaps not?) the cyclist adopted a more apologetic attitude before he got twatted.