10 Things Pedestrians Hate About Drivers & 10 Things Drivers Hate About Pedestrians
It Looks Like Everyone’s a Little Guilty
We learn about road safety in elementary school. We learn about it again in driving school. Yet, motorists and pedestrians alike still break the rules and put each other’s lives in danger. Let’s walk through some of the most annoying things each party does!
1. Speeding Through Crosswalks
You know, it’s a crosswalk for a reason—and yet, drivers every day feel the need to whip through them and endanger pedestrians. A big part of driving is paying attention to your surroundings, and innocent bystanders shouldn’t worry about crossing at designated areas!
2. Talking on the Phone
It’s illegal to text while driving. It’s also a leading cause of distracted driving, something that claims countless lives every year. For your own safety and those around you, put your phone away when you’re on the road.
3. Ignoring Yield Signs
Even if it doesn’t look like anyone’s coming, drivers need to slow down at yield signs. You never know when someone could decide to cross, and the onus is on the driver to pay attention to any pedestrians.
4. Cutting Off Pedestrians
Cars are obviously much faster than people, but that doesn’t always mean you can sneak into the parking lot before a pedestrian finishes crossing. Drivers who cut off bystanders easily risk hitting someone—or coming dangerously close to doing so.
5. Getting Angry at Crossing Pedestrians
“Hey, I’m walkin’ here”! Pedestrians are often shocked at how many times drivers cuss them out at crosswalks. There you are, minding your own business, when a speeding car zooms by and then has the gall to get upset with you for following road rules.
6. Not Looking Before Pulling Out
With the warmer weather officially here, more and more people are out and about. That’s exactly why drivers need to check their mirrors before pulling out of the driveway. There’s nothing worse than trying to walk by as a careless driver pulls out without looking.
7. Parking on the Sidewalk
Particularly haphazard drivers can park on the sidewalk or even in bike lanes, which impedes pedestrians’ safety. You may not think it’s a big deal to leave your car there for a moment, but it’s always safer to find an appropriate parking spot!
8. Speeding
Speeding endangers everyone, not just pedestrians. It’s often a leading cause of accidents and motorist casualties, not to mention it lands a hefty fine. Follow the speed limit at all times, and especially during harsh weather conditions.
9. Opening the Door Without Looking
This is more of an issue for cyclists than walking pedestrians, but it still applies! Drivers who swing open their doors have definitely collided with cyclists before. People can crash into the door or go flying over the top of it, so look both ways beforehand.
10. Catcalling
There’s a big difference between catcalling and paying someone a genuine compliment. No woman wants to hear from the peanut gallery. They also don’t want drivers to pull over under the guise of asking for directions, only to ask for a phone number. Just leave people be!
All that being said—pedestrians aren’t always a walk in the park either! Let’s dive into some annoying habits that drive motorists off the deep end.
1. Jaywalking
We know not every driver stops at crosswalks, and that’s on them. However, pedestrians are still responsible for making it to a crosswalk or a light. Cutting into traffic endangers your life and drivers’, so don’t zip across a busy intersection.
2. Distracted Walking
Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Whether you’re buried in your phone or have noise-cancelling headphones on, make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. You’re just as responsible for your own life!
3. Not Looking Before You Cross
Drivers should stop—but that doesn’t mean they will. Careless pedestrians will mosey into the street without a care in the world, not even bothering to look both ways before crossing the street. It’s not only a dangerous move that puts you at risk, but it endangers other drivers!
4. Wearing Dark Clothes
Nothing beats a good walk at night, but you need to take precautions. Safety vests, glow sticks, and even reflective clothing all alert motorists where you are. You can’t expect drivers to see you when you’re clad in black and it’s dark outside.
5. Ignoring Traffic Signals
Traffic signals aren’t just for drivers. Pedestrians also need to understand different signs and traffic signals, particularly left-hand turns at the light. Wait your turn and don’t try to cross if the walking signal isn’t flashing!
6. Not Walking on the Sidewalk
Not every neighborhood has a sidewalk—but many of them do. There’s no reason for you to ditch its safety by walking in the middle of the road, especially at night. Sidewalks are made to keep you and drivers safe; you alert motorists of your location and walk where they expect you to. Going against the grain only endangers both of you.
7. Crossing Between Parked Cars
Yet another reason to stop jaywalking! When you skirt between parked cars, motorists often won’t see you. After all, their eyes are exactly where they need to be: on the road. When pedestrians step into traffic from low-visibility areas, drivers are left to swerve to avoid accidents.
8. Not Making Eye Contact
Pedestrians are expected to make eye contact with drivers. By doing so, you verify that they’ve seen you and will let you pass safely. Don’t just assume that every driver knows what you’re planning to do!
9. Playing Near the Road
Teach your kids about road safety! Children who play too close to the street can easily dart out to fetch a ball or cross without looking, both of which can lead to serious accidents. Keep motorists and your children safe.
10. Trying to Distract Drivers
Listen, we love a good bargain as much as the next driver! But it’s incredibly distracting when box stores use sign spinners or children wave signs for a garage sale. Don’t frantically try to get motorists’ attention—their eyes are on the road.
