Request from a pedestrian

zenx · 10th January 2012, 21:18

Request from a pedestrian to all drivers: PLEASE use your horns as little as possible. To me - esp since I also drive - it not only hurts my ears, but also betrays in you some sort of fear or anxiety, combined with a sense of loss of control over your vehicle.

Instead - try using the accelerator, brake, clutch combo thats very useful and effective in controlling the vehicle. Oh, and add some patience to it - I have complete right of way.

ironshark · 10th January 2012, 21:26

^^ +100 to that.I personally ALWAYS wait till the pedestriants cross, especially women children and old people and care 3 hoots for idiots who honk while I halt. It is high time we indians show some traffic and civic sense. It's not rocket science after all!

zenx · 10th January 2012, 21:35

And its not just for pedestrian crossings - but for all the driving one does on the road. There are folks outside who's ears do not have the benefit of the awesome sound-proofing one's car might have. And trust me, it doesn't really solve anything and just adds to road rage. Try using the horn like it costs money - and you'll find you drive more relaxed

Rudra Sen · 10th January 2012, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenx

Request from a pedestrian to all drivers: PLEASE use your horns as little as possible.

Not only a request from a pedestrian but also from a driver. Nice apt topic Sameer.

In India, we've lost the meaning or sense of the word HORN. Horn is a part of our driving. We use it to show frustration, anger, impatience and what have we.

Not to feel proud but I rarely use horn. Not to follow any etiquette or civic sense. Horn has no meaning in this country.

dot · 10th January 2012, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenx

and add some patience to it - I have complete right of way.

Is this true? Can a person cross a road at any point abiding to her/his whim?

zenx · 10th January 2012, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by dot

Is this true? Can a person cross a road at any point abiding to her/his whim?

Yep. The driver of the object that can cause the damage must take responsibility for the safety of those around. I live off the narrow Haralur Road - and folks hurtle past me and other pedestrians at 60+ even when there's lots of people and 2 way traffic. (There's no pavement)

poloman · 10th January 2012, 22:03

Agree, But a counter request from a driver to pedestrians.
Please don't jay walk with that earphone in your ears. Please look for oncoming traffic and use zebra crossings if possible. If you suddenly jump on to the road from behind a vehicle or a bushy median, surely I am going to lose control over my vehicle.
To me sometimes horn serves as a wonderful tool to wake up jaywalkers.

suhaas307 · 10th January 2012, 22:06

A pedestrian may have the right of way, but that doesn't mean he can walk across the middle of the road as he pleases.

As a pedestrian, I know the woes of walking in congested city limits. The pavement is never even, there are hawkers taking your space everywhere, and then you have to deal with all the honking and pollution.

But at the same time, as someone who drives often, I know the woes of a driver in a city like Bangalore, where people just cross the road whenever they please, without adequate warning or attentiveness.

I might be in a car, but I will be at fault if you act like a dimwit and walk across the road without looking, just because you like what you see on the other side of the road.

Just as much as drivers of vehicles, pedestrians have no compassion and common sense for the other road users.

On an empty road, you would be daft if you attempt to dart across the road, even when you know that there are vehicles coming right at you, and at speed. Think about it, 4-5 vehicles will have to hit the brakes simultaneously, just because of that daredevil on feet who runs across the road, and then grins like he has accomplished a feat (perhaps he has

)

This is an appeal, not just to errant pedestrians, but also to all drivers. Everyone has issues. Driving on crowded streets is not easy, and walking is even harder. Show a little compassion to ALL fellow road users.

If a pedestrian expresses interest in crossing the road, don't try and challenge him by revving the nuts off your car and giving him something to think about at night. And pedestrians, please think twice before pouring into streets, and jaywalking aimlessly. It seriously confuses people behind wheels of cars, and it's your life that's at risk at the end of the day.

zenx · 10th January 2012, 22:10

I walk a lot. Trust me, most pedestrians are not walking with earphones. Most, at any point in time, are walking alongside - not across the road. The kind of honking one experiences cannot be explained by instances of jaywalking that you described.

In any case, in urban contexts (not expressways/ring roads etc), the whole notion of "jaywalking" is screwed up. Try walking along some of the roads - you have no other options but the road. Also, roads in urban areas were always multi-use, and the sense of entitlement reserved for one kind of use is in the wrong direction. NMT is as important to factor in, and that means either enforced ultra-low speeds or primary responsibility of safety shifting to vehicles.

I drive for days together without using the horn. Trust me, honking does nothing except release anxiety. Better control using the car's mechanicals, and recognizing and being within appropriate limits (speed, lane switching, etc) for various traffic situations is a far better solution.

Most people at any point of time are NOT honking at pedestrians - but other "morons" (thats how most of us seem to think of anyone driving slower than us) on the road itself. Its pointless, and hurts my ears as I walk on the pavement beside the road. The whole people-crossing-the-road line of reasoning is a red herring as far as the original point of this thread goes.

Edit: Useful read : http://www.carfreeinbigd.com/2009/10...aywalking.html

Astleviz · 10th January 2012, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenx

I have complete right of way.

You do. But only if you are using the zebra crossing and that too when you have a green signal. And by you I don't mean you, zenx, who I am sure follows traffic rules, just like I and most other tbhpians do, I mean those reckless jaywalkers who assume that it is their birthright to cross the road at their whim. I have to use my horn when I see morons crossing the road at their whim, you see, I care about their lives and physical well being more than they do. Jaywalking is a crime in most civilized countries and it's about time we too evolved.

Catalyst_delhi · 10th January 2012, 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by dot

Is this true? Can a person cross a road at any point abiding to her/his whim?

I am sure if the drivers follow the pedestrians will follow. At any point in time anyone can be both. Very true OP.

Rudra Sen · 10th January 2012, 22:12

I don't think (or feel) that this thread should only be from a pedestrian's point.
It's the use of that HORN we do so indiscriminately. Sameer, please correct me if I'm wrong.

zenx · 10th January 2012, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astleviz

You do. But only if you are using the zebra crossing and that too when you have a green signal. And by you I don't mean you, zenx, who I am sure follows traffic rules, just like I and most other tbhpians do, I mean those reckless jaywalkers who assume that it is their birthright to cross the road at their whim. I have to use my horn when I see morons crossing the road at their whim, you see, I care about their lives and physical well being more than they do. Jaywalking is a crime in most civilized countries and it's about time we too evolved.

Actually - a lot of Europe is moving to pedestrian-primary (and next, cyclists) right of way rules. Jaywalking ceases to have any meaning in this context, and the onus of safety moves to the ones who can actually cause the damage, which is logical.

Rudra - bingo! Except that those outside of enclosed vehicles bear the brunt of the noise.

shankar.balan · 10th January 2012, 22:17

101% - Am with you buddy.
Same goes for cyclists as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenx

Request from a pedestrian to all drivers: PLEASE use your horns as little as possible. To me - esp since I also drive - it not only hurts my ears, but also betrays in you some sort of fear or anxiety, combined with a sense of loss of control over your vehicle.

Instead - try using the accelerator, brake, clutch combo thats very useful and effective in controlling the vehicle. Oh, and add some patience to it - I have complete right of way.

srishiva · 10th January 2012, 22:23

I give a small honk while passing a auto or a two wheeler. You never know when they suddenly veer towards your lane.
Some drivers at a jam think the guys in front are idiots and keep honking as if they just parked their car in the middle of the road.
Un-necessary honking and the resulting noise pollution can be mostly avoided but cannot be eliminated totally, you are part of a chaotic (and idiotic) system.

10th January 2012, 21:18	#1
zenx Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,161 Thanked: 158 Times View My Garage	Request from a pedestrian Request from a pedestrian to all drivers: PLEASE use your horns as little as possible. To me - esp since I also drive - it not only hurts my ears, but also betrays in you some sort of fear or anxiety, combined with a sense of loss of control over your vehicle. Instead - try using the accelerator, brake, clutch combo thats very useful and effective in controlling the vehicle. Oh, and add some patience to it - I have complete right of way.
	(14) Thanks

10th January 2012, 21:26	#2
ironshark BHPian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 114 Thanked: 167 Times	^^ +100 to that.I personally ALWAYS wait till the pedestriants cross, especially women children and old people and care 3 hoots for idiots who honk while I halt. It is high time we indians show some traffic and civic sense. It's not rocket science after all!
	(3) Thanks

10th January 2012, 21:35	#3
zenx Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,161 Thanked: 158 Times View My Garage	Re: Request from a pedestrian And its not just for pedestrian crossings - but for all the driving one does on the road. There are folks outside who's ears do not have the benefit of the awesome sound-proofing one's car might have. And trust me, it doesn't really solve anything and just adds to road rage. Try using the horn like it costs money - and you'll find you drive more relaxed
	() Thanks

10th January 2012, 22:03	#7
poloman Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,311 Thanked: 5,254 Times	Re: Request from a pedestrian Agree, But a counter request from a driver to pedestrians. Please don't jay walk with that earphone in your ears. Please look for oncoming traffic and use zebra crossings if possible. If you suddenly jump on to the road from behind a vehicle or a bushy median, surely I am going to lose control over my vehicle. To me sometimes horn serves as a wonderful tool to wake up jaywalkers. Last edited by poloman : 10th January 2012 at 22:06.
	(20) Thanks

10th January 2012, 22:06	#8
suhaas307 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 8,830 Thanked: 12,251 Times	Re: Request from a pedestrian A pedestrian may have the right of way, but that doesn't mean he can walk across the middle of the road as he pleases. As a pedestrian, I know the woes of walking in congested city limits. The pavement is never even, there are hawkers taking your space everywhere, and then you have to deal with all the honking and pollution. But at the same time, as someone who drives often, I know the woes of a driver in a city like Bangalore, where people just cross the road whenever they please, without adequate warning or attentiveness. I might be in a car, but I will be at fault if you act like a dimwit and walk across the road without looking, just because you like what you see on the other side of the road. Just as much as drivers of vehicles, pedestrians have no compassion and common sense for the other road users. On an empty road, you would be daft if you attempt to dart across the road, even when you know that there are vehicles coming right at you, and at speed. Think about it, 4-5 vehicles will have to hit the brakes simultaneously, just because of that daredevil on feet who runs across the road, and then grins like he has accomplished a feat (perhaps he has ) This is an appeal, not just to errant pedestrians, but also to all drivers. Everyone has issues. Driving on crowded streets is not easy, and walking is even harder. Show a little compassion to ALL fellow road users. If a pedestrian expresses interest in crossing the road, don't try and challenge him by revving the nuts off your car and giving him something to think about at night. And pedestrians, please think twice before pouring into streets, and jaywalking aimlessly. It seriously confuses people behind wheels of cars, and it's your life that's at risk at the end of the day. Last edited by suhaas307 : 10th January 2012 at 22:10.
	(12) Thanks

10th January 2012, 22:10	#9
zenx Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,161 Thanked: 158 Times View My Garage	Re: Request from a pedestrian I walk a lot. Trust me, most pedestrians are not walking with earphones. Most, at any point in time, are walking alongside - not across the road. The kind of honking one experiences cannot be explained by instances of jaywalking that you described. In any case, in urban contexts (not expressways/ring roads etc), the whole notion of "jaywalking" is screwed up. Try walking along some of the roads - you have no other options but the road. Also, roads in urban areas were always multi-use, and the sense of entitlement reserved for one kind of use is in the wrong direction. NMT is as important to factor in, and that means either enforced ultra-low speeds or primary responsibility of safety shifting to vehicles. I drive for days together without using the horn. Trust me, honking does nothing except release anxiety. Better control using the car's mechanicals, and recognizing and being within appropriate limits (speed, lane switching, etc) for various traffic situations is a far better solution. Most people at any point of time are NOT honking at pedestrians - but other "morons" (thats how most of us seem to think of anyone driving slower than us) on the road itself. Its pointless, and hurts my ears as I walk on the pavement beside the road. The whole people-crossing-the-road line of reasoning is a red herring as far as the original point of this thread goes. Edit: Useful read : http://www.carfreeinbigd.com/2009/10...aywalking.html Last edited by zenx : 10th January 2012 at 22:29. Reason: Added a useful link
	() Thanks

10th January 2012, 22:12	#12
Rudra Sen Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 11,590 Thanked: 6,532 Times View My Garage	Re: Request from a pedestrian I don't think (or feel) that this thread should only be from a pedestrian's point. It's the use of that HORN we do so indiscriminately. Sameer, please correct me if I'm wrong.
	(2) Thanks

10th January 2012, 22:23	#15
srishiva Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 4,375 Thanked: 2,256 Times	Re: Request from a pedestrian I give a small honk while passing a auto or a two wheeler. You never know when they suddenly veer towards your lane. Some drivers at a jam think the guys in front are idiots and keep honking as if they just parked their car in the middle of the road. Un-necessary honking and the resulting noise pollution can be mostly avoided but cannot be eliminated totally, you are part of a chaotic (and idiotic) system.
	(1) Thanks