Pedestrian Gaffes, Driver gripes

[HeatherWolf]

WHY is it when people get out of their car, they automatically shift into dumb?

Gallup, NM circa 2006: Some strip mall on then North Rte 666 (now 491)

I was riding along with my mother in the car, when suddenly out of nowhere, a man appears in front of us. Not looking left or right, to make sure a car isn't coming. We nearly hit him. My mother honked, and the man gave her a dirty look, as if it was HER fault he was in the way. I swear we had so many of these instances happen, you would think the people in that town had a death wish, walking in front of moving vehicles like they did.

Here in NC, people actually wait until you drive by, or the driver waves the pedestrian across. They're pretty courteous over here.

[Pagan]

Gallup, NM circa 2006: Some strip mall on then North Rte 666 (now 491)

I was riding along with my mother in the car, when suddenly out of nowhere, a man appears in front of us. Not looking left or right, to make sure a car isn't coming. We nearly hit him. My mother honked, and the man gave her a dirty look, as if it was HER fault he was in the way. I swear we had so many of these instances happen, you would think the people in that town had a death wish, walking in front of moving vehicles like they did.

Well, seeing as it was Gallup....I've got several theories of why they do that. None of them exactly flattering and, unfortuanately, by and large, true.

[HeatherWolf]

I lived there for seven grueling years. I have a feeling I know what you're talking about

[infinitemonkies]

I've been out here on Vancouver Island for over 5 years now, and I still can't get used to having drivers stop and let you cross the road, even if it's nowhere near a crosswalk or intersection.

Everywhere else I've ever lived, if you wanna cross the road, you damn well wait until the traffic is clear.

[HeatherWolf]

California pedestrians wait for the traffic to cross as well. That's how I grew up, and to this day I wait for the cars to pass, until it's clear. Even at the supermarket shopping center. I usually get a wave across though. It's pretty cool.

[blas]

Around here, most people tend to lose their brain the moment they turn the vehicle on...or if they have a bicycle.