Pedestrian Crossings

[theoldgit]

Having just noticed an elderly lady trying to navigate a pedestrian crossing with a car driver signaling his annoyance at her audacity, which was clearly going to delay his journey by a fraction of a second, I wondered whatever became of the clampdown enforcing a pedestrians right of way, I ask because a policeman was watching and didn't seem to be at all concerned.

[mrtoad]

Never believed for one moment that the supposed crackdown qould actually be enforced. Sounded good though.

[slapout]

I noticed that individuals who monitor the crosswalks with a Mobil phone in hand are dressed in the same costume as the EMS personal.

[neverdie]

Never believed for one moment that the supposed crackdown qould actually be enforced. Sounded good though.

Ohh, I dunno, these crackdowns always sound good and some of them even continue for a few minutes after they are announced. Bangkok Police, crackdowns flow nearly as fast as the tea money.

[mahtin]

Is there a Thai word for pedestrian crossing?

If there's a crackdown I suppose there must be, but given that most drivers got their license in the Buddhist equivalent of a Christmas cracker, some preliminary education is needed.

[bkkjames]

Is there a Thai word for pedestrian crossing?

If there's a crackdown I suppose there must be, but given that most drivers got their license in the Buddhist equivalent of a Christmas cracker, some preliminary education is needed.

Regarding your first point - answer is Die quick quick

[salty]

Flavour of the month.

[thaihome]

Having just noticed an elderly lady trying to navigate a pedestrian crossing with a car driver signaling his annoyance at her audacity, which was clearly going to delay his journey by a fraction of a second, I wondered whatever became of the clampdown enforcing a pedestrians right of way, I ask because a policeman was watching and didn't seem to be at all concerned.

So, if I understand your post, the motorist was stopped and waiting for the elderly lady to cross. He was annoyed about having to do this but was indeed stopped, so you think the police should do what? Give him a ticket for being annoyed?

If the motorist was indeed stopped to allow the lady to cross, maybe the clampdown is working. Maybe the next clampdown should be on stopping motorist from being annoyed at having to stop for pedestrians.

TH

[theoldgit]

So, if I understand your post, the motorist was stopped and waiting for the elderly lady to cross. He was annoyed about having to do this but was indeed stopped, so you think the police should do what? Give him a ticket for being annoyed?

No you don't understand my post at all, perhaps I didn't make it clear.

The elderly, and pretty frail looking lady was, not unreasonably but perhaps naively, trying to cross a road using the pedestrian crossing, the driver slowed down, because at that time she was directly in front of him, he helpfully sounded his horn and flashed his lights at the alarmed lady, apparantly annoyed that he had to slow down, and lose a second of his precious time because of this totally selfish woman.

Of course I wouldn't expect the police officer to ticket the driver for being annoyed and certainly not for failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing but it beggars the question why bother spoiling the aesthetics of the pristine road by painting a pedestrian crossing on it in the first place and why go to the expense of erecting a gantry over said crossing with a diagram of a pedestrian crossing a road complete with flashing lights.

My question was what happened to the much heralded crackdown, it seems to have been answered nobody give a t*ss about other people, so I will withdraw now.

Edited December 3, 2009 by theoldgit

[SantiSuk]

So, if I understand your post, the motorist was stopped and waiting for the elderly lady to cross. He was annoyed about having to do this but was indeed stopped, so you think the police should do what? Give him a ticket for being annoyed?

No you don't understand my post at all, perhaps I didn't make it clear.

The elderly, and pretty frail looking lady was, not unreasonably but perhaps naively, trying to cross a road using the pedestrian crossing, the driver slowed down, because at that time she was directly in front of him, he helpfully sounded his horn and flashed his lights at the alarmed lady, apparantly annoyed that he had to slow down, and lose a second of his precious time because of this totally selfish woman.

Of course I wouldn't expect the police officer to ticket the driver for being annoyed and certainly not for failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing but it beggars the question why bother spoiling the aesthetics of the pristine road by painting a pedestrian crossing on it in the first place and why go to the expense of erecting a gantry over said crossing with a diagram of a pedestrian crossing a road complete with flashing lights.

My question was what happened to the much heralded crackdown, it seems to have been answered nobody give a t*ss about other people, so I will withdraw now.

It's great fun to adopt UK practice and stop for a pedestrian at a pedestrian crossing. The looks you get are wondrous to behold - sometimes astounded and sometimes a shifty cynical 'now as soon as I move you are going to mow me down aren't you?

Where the hel_l Thai people got their polite reputation from I'll never know

[sanook2me]

It's great fun to adopt UK practice and stop for a pedestrian at a pedestrian crossing. The looks you get are wondrous to behold - sometimes astounded and sometimes a shifty cynical 'now as soon as I move you are going to mow me down aren't you?

Where the hel_l Thai people got their polite reputation from I'll never know

When i'm driving and slip back into UK polite mode..normally it causes a bit of tension in the car with my Thai wife...

She...no no drive like taxi..not polite angrit...they not understand.... !!

So yes, this adds weight to your statement about Thais and politeness....

My theory, anything to do with new modern money they can't handle it properly as their elders didn't have the knowledge to pass down in the traditional Thai way...

So they make it up as they go along....normally in the rude, selfish, lack of common sense and thought for others. These actions you see everyday..

New modern money..not passed down on from elders.....

Driving...bonkers..

Keeping doors open for person behind...er no

Queue jumping 7 - 11... certainly

[aussiejosh]

The crackdowns usually last like 5 to 10 days... then the police go off to do their usual 'work'

[theoldgit]

The crackdowns usually last like 5 to 10 days... then the police go off to do their usual 'work'

Really, 5 to 10 days, as long as that?

[Richb2004v2]

I asked a similar question a few years ago.

I wondered if when the crossing were originally made was there any sort of advertising campaign to even tell people what there were for? I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't. Many of the crossings in my area are very faded now. I imagine some government official going on a business trip abroad and seeing these things on the road and deciding to adopt them here in Thailand on his return, without any plan to educate the Thai driver about what they are for. The Thais haven't really got the hang of traffic lights completely so I think it's too much to expect them to use the crossings safely. I think it's a bit much to expect a high-so driving a Benz to stop for a lowly lo-so crossing the road in front of him/her.

[barky]

I think the ped crossings are in fact a danger zone, a health hazard, and I'd go so far as to say it's shameful that the Thai government paint these useless white rectangles on the roads so that they give the impression to visitors that they are concerned for the safety of the pubic when in fact they are not.

They lull the visitor into a false sence of security which has downright fatal consequences. These crossings are for visitor consumption only. Some dumb as* polly went overseas and saw them in Europe or Australia or somewhere and thought how pretty they looked and wanted to paint some on Thai roads, but what the idiot didn't do was to learn what their actual function was.

I also think that travel brochures and foreingn governments should warn travellers to Thailand of this "hidden danger".

Thailand's roads would be far, far safer for pedestrians without zebra crossings.

Edited December 4, 2009 by barky

[theoldgit]

I think I have mentioned before that I was nearly mown down some months ago whilst crossing one of the crossings that actually had a red traffic light protecting the people that were crossing on a green pedestrian signal, the woman driver glared at me because here was me, a mere foreigner, having the nerve to cross the road causing her to disrupt the conversation she was having on her mobile phone.

This crossing was actually outside of a hospital, perhaps they installed it to drum up some business.

[DazednConfused555]

I have not seen too many drivers disregarding pedestrian walking zones. But I have seen endless numbers of pedestrians running across the street instead of walking ten meters to a pedestrian crossing.

[PNGinBKK]

Pedestrian crossings, and the Thai's approach to them are my regular bug bear...

Working across from Carrefour on Rama IV there is 2 particularly nasty crossings that you can often stand for 5 minutes at waiting for a car to let you cross.

This is a three lane crossing so invariably you get trapped between lanes as you avoid motorcycles, taxis and buses who ignore you completely.

I have seen young and old alike have horns beeped, lights flashed, and any kind of shouts all directed at them for daring to use the crossings.

I have been tempted on more than one occasion to swing my left boot at a passing car that has refused to stop and nearly killed me in the process, but figured that would have an equally fatal effect...

Now, the crossing here is perfect example of how the police could use it to their great benefit; a busy road, with more than enough cars passing to generate a great income. The Tesco Lotus 20m down the road from the Junction would make the perfect catchment area to stop these antisocial a-holes and collect money.

[barky]

I have not seen too many drivers disregarding pedestrian walking zones. But I have seen endless numbers of pedestrians running across the street instead of walking ten meters to a pedestrian crossing.

Firstly, I do not believe your first statement. You are trying to play down the dangers of ped crossings in Thailand, thereby putting non-Thais, generally westeners, at great risk. Shame on you!

Your second statement is more probable because all Thais know that the designated crossing zone is a worthless piece of street art.

[DazednConfused555]

Its unrealistic to expect three lanes of traffic to stop every single time a person wants to cross the street. At many crossings, there is almost always someone standing there. What usually happens is, when there are 4 or more people waiting to cross, heavy traffic will slow down and let them cross. Or, one person steps into the street and everyone follows.

And yes, if there is light traffic, Thai drivers will stop and let them cross. But if you are expecting three lanes of traffic to stop moving instantly during rush hour because you want to cross a three lane street, than you are being very selfish yourself. And no, there is never an excuse to attempt to cross the street at a non-pedestrian crossing. You have no idea how frustrating it is to have to slam the brakes because a human being has decided to give themselves the right of way.

These are not one lane Hong Kong or Singapore or European style crossings and cannot be compared fairly.

Plus, often times there is an overpass that is meant to be used for crossing the street but the pedestrian is too lazy.

[Richb2004v2]

Yes I think pedestrian crossing on three lane highways are crazy. I guess crazy is the norm here, so really it make perfect sense.

[way2muchcoffee]

Its unrealistic to expect three lanes of traffic to stop every single time a person wants to cross the street. At many crossings, there is almost always someone standing there. What usually happens is, when there are 4 or more people waiting to cross, heavy traffic will slow down and let them cross. Or, one person steps into the street and everyone follows.

And yes, if there is light traffic, Thai drivers will stop and let them cross. But if you are expecting three lanes of traffic to stop moving instantly during rush hour because you want to cross a three lane street, than you are being very selfish yourself. And no, there is never an excuse to attempt to cross the street at a non-pedestrian crossing. You have no idea how frustrating it is to have to slam the brakes because a human being has decided to give themselves the right of way.

Agree completely. I experience this every day as pedestrian, motorcycle passenger or driver, or automobile driver. Summed up nicely.

Plus, often times there is an overpass that is meant to be used for crossing the street but the pedestrian is too lazy.

My personal pet peeve. I am incapable of understanding the choice of crossing a busy road directly underneath a pedestrian overpass.

[Richb2004v2]

Its unrealistic to expect three lanes of traffic to stop every single time a person wants to cross the street. At many crossings, there is almost always someone standing there. What usually happens is, when there are 4 or more people waiting to cross, heavy traffic will slow down and let them cross. Or, one person steps into the street and everyone follows.

And yes, if there is light traffic, Thai drivers will stop and let them cross. But if you are expecting three lanes of traffic to stop moving instantly during rush hour because you want to cross a three lane street, than you are being very selfish yourself. And no, there is never an excuse to attempt to cross the street at a non-pedestrian crossing. You have no idea how frustrating it is to have to slam the brakes because a human being has decided to give themselves the right of way.

Agree completely. I experience this every day as pedestrian, motorcycle passenger or driver, or automobile driver. Summed up nicely.

Plus, often times there is an overpass that is meant to be used for crossing the street but the pedestrian is too lazy.

My personal pet peeve. I am incapable of understanding the choice of crossing a busy road directly underneath a pedestrian overpass.

Is it to cross the road in the shadow of the overpass and stay a little cooler and paler?

[yabaaaa]

its because they are bone idle, im often the only one using the bridges.

[sanook2me]

its because they are bone idle, im often the only one using the bridges.

If you use the bridges here, you'll have thighs like an olympic shot putter.... how steep and many steps?

You can't really expect old mrs bagporn carrying two bags of shopping to climb these....

However, it should be compulsory for all uni girls to use them

[Richb2004v2]

Isn't it amazing the way they build the bridges so that on either side of the road the pavement/sidewalk is completely blocked by the steps.

[jubby]

So, if I understand your post, the motorist was stopped and waiting for the elderly lady to cross. He was annoyed about having to do this but was indeed stopped, so you think the police should do what? Give him a ticket for being annoyed?

No you don't understand my post at all, perhaps I didn't make it clear.

The elderly, and pretty frail looking lady was, not unreasonably but perhaps naively, trying to cross a road using the pedestrian crossing, the driver slowed down, because at that time she was directly in front of him, he helpfully sounded his horn and flashed his lights at the alarmed lady, apparantly annoyed that he had to slow down, and lose a second of his precious time because of this totally selfish woman.

Of course I wouldn't expect the police officer to ticket the driver for being annoyed and certainly not for failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing but it beggars the question why bother spoiling the aesthetics of the pristine road by painting a pedestrian crossing on it in the first place and why go to the expense of erecting a gantry over said crossing with a diagram of a pedestrian crossing a road complete with flashing lights.

My question was what happened to the much heralded crackdown, it seems to have been answered nobody give a t*ss about other people, so I will withdraw now.

It's great fun to adopt UK practice and stop for a pedestrian at a pedestrian crossing. The looks you get are wondrous to behold - sometimes astounded and sometimes a shifty cynical 'now as soon as I move you are going to mow me down aren't you?

Where the hel_l Thai people got their polite reputation from I'll never know

Yeah, its best to forget the UK practice it can be pretty dangerous as its totally opposite to what the thais's do.

I used to stop for pedestrians too; they get halfway across and someone overtakes me and takes them out

I often think to flash my lights to let some lorry get out and about his business but it just gets interpreted as 'I'm coming through, get out of my way'. I have seen a bit of courtest from the big lorry drivers who sometimes indicate when its OK to pass, and I do make the effort to thank them by flashing my indicators, anything to make the situation better. I've had a few incidents with pedestrain crossings too. Wife & kids halfway across and motorbikes weaving between us does make me see red. We get the occasional policeman manning the crossings in touristy areas , they really need to put in the flashing lights and the 'walk, don't walk' sort of thing for us to stand a chance.

[richard_smith237]

I papped my horn at a woman crossing the road the other day.

In a moment of politeness I stopped to let a woman cross as I hate to see people abandoned in the centre with traffic passing foot either side in both directions.

Well she took her merry time crossing the road and did that ‘lazy ass, flip flop shuffle’ as if she were walking reluctantly to her doom.

Of course I was in the wrong, she had no intention of nodding in curtsey and gave me a filthy look as I papped and signaled her to move it along…

I am not normally impatient and regularly give way to pedestrians. This lady really was taking the pee with her shuffle. My Girlfriend was with me and thought so too.

It made me think, why do I bother? The same with giving way, holding doors open etc

IMO both Pedestrians and drivers need to improve.

Drivers can be more courteous and give people time to cross the road. It seems to me that when I cross the road the on coming vehicles seem to accelerate.

And Pedestrians can cross the road with some intention of getting to the other side soon and not show such a blatant disregard for the driver in the car who has been good enough to stop and give way.

I find both examples hugely impolite and infuriating and a perfect example of ‘me me me self-centeredness’ which is so prevalent in today’s city society.

[salty]

So many people motorists or pedestrians seem to make it their business just to annoy everyone else.

An expression here is When God made time he made plenty of it. What that means if it is someone else's time it is not important. But if it becomes my time it is hugely important.

Edited December 5, 2009 by salty