I make eye contact and walk at a normal pace. In Spain people get mad when cars drive down city streets. They glare daggers at you while they clear the street begrudgingly. We need that energy in the United States. Cars should know that they are second class citizens.
A thumbs down is so much better as a reaction to a shit driver than a middle finger. One just says, “Hey fuck you”, while the other says, “I am disappointed in you”
I posted the following in another thread but this is what I do:
I’m a tiny woman who isn’t starting road rage, so what I do is just make the other person concerned. I’ve done this as a pedestrian and a driver.
It’s really easy, as a pedestrian walking past, pause slightly and drop your eyes to their front grill, tilt your head slightly and grimace. If in the car, point and sit up in your seat like you’re trying to get a better view of their car and do the same face. Look alarmed even.
I’ve seen multiple drivers pull over to check out their cars. At the very least it makes them take time out of their day for no reason - and inconveniencing dickheads is always fun - but given we’re in Australia, their imagination can take them to all kinds of places. What did she see? Is it still there? Is it in my car now???
Similar to the pretending to step over something prank, but this makes the person worry about what’s wrong with their car all day. Far more effective.
Entirely off topic.
I have no idea why but I got seriously intense deja vous reading this comment. I’m pretty sure I’ve never read this actual comment before, though.
Do you write like this a lot? Maybe I’ve come across you before.
I did copy it from another thread I’d written it in?
I’ve been told I write how I speak (writing’s my job) so I guess that hints at a somewhat distinctive way of writing? so you may have seen me about the place?
I continue walking because I don’t want to normalize a mindset that pedestrians need to beg to use public paths. It should be drivers that feel mildly uncomfortable moving huge equipment through areas designed for pedestrian use.
I threaten the driver with a revolver so they know their place next time
Pedestrian crossings are part of the sidewalk and there is no reason for a human to ever be ‘thankful’ to continue walking exactly where they’re meant to. Remember, at an uncontrolled marked crossing, a pedestrian always has the right of way, whether it’s going over a small one lane street or (shudders) a four lane highway.
Similarly, pedestrians always have the right of way on the road. You may have been convinced otherwise, but Jay-walking is car manufacturer made up bullshit. It is illegal in some states, but even still pedestrians have the right of way, you can just be fined for exercising it. Roads were originally owned by people, not cars. Cars were visitors who now have overstayed their welcome.
Only wave thanks to busses. Car drivers can fuck off, they should be thanking me.
like stockholm syndrome, but for cars?
misread car as cat at first and was like “yup, reasonable - i also want cats to like me.”
