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...so I find it hard to come to grips with the attitude of many pedestrians towards drivers still searching for somewhere to leave their pride and joy.
This was really brought to light at the weekend when the weather was beautifully sunny at the beachside suburb I live in. Huge traffic jams built up at pedestrian crossings where those on foot insisted on their right of way at every opportunity. They dribbled across the road one or two at a time, often with a gap between them that was almost, but not quite, big enough for a car to get through.
If those on foot had backed off for no more than a few seconds and bunched up a bit, they would have helped keep the traffic flowing -- eventually making life simpler for themselves once they finally got back into their own cars and headed for home.
Of course there’s the danger of miscommunication that could cause drivers to assume that pedestrians were waiting for them and drive over the crossing and hitting someone who didn’t realise what was happening. But I’m sure that we are all sensible human beings and could make something work.
I’m impressed with the fact that Tullamarine airport uses traffic controllers on pedestrian crossings to give cars and those on foot an equal go at getting to their destination. These guys and gals work only during the peak periods and do so with a friendly smile and cheerful good morning to those on foot.
If mobile phones are a menace when used by drivers they are even worse in the hands of some pedestrians. So engrossed are they that they don’t even look up, let alone right, left and right again before stepping in front of traffic. Heaven help these people if they’re ever in an Asian country where drivers refuse to stop at crossings.
I’ve even seen young ladies stopping on crossings to sort out what looked to be particularly difficult piece of text composition. Selfish, dangerous and just plain stupid...
Then there was the young mother with the huge stroller – you know the type, all big wheels, knobbly off-road tyres and endless gadget bags – the stroller that is, not the mother! She had managed to manoeuvre the monster stroller off the kerb at a corner and got offended because I didn't instantly prop my car to make way for her as I turned into ‘her’ street.
There wasn't a pedestrian crossing in sight so I felt sorry for her; no doubt she was in a hurry and was probably being hassled by baby, lack of sleep, multiple appointments and heaven knows what else. But, if she had used a bit of common sense and crossed a little up from the corner it would have been easier and safer for all of us.
Of course pedestrians have rights on the roads and they are at more risk than anyone else so deserve special consideration. All I am asking is that they think before launching themselves across the road and, if possible, work in conjunction with drivers to make life more pleasant for everyone.
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