Why the crosswalk wave, I wonder.
https://www.proplumb365.co.uk/05-166298-psychologists-thank-you-wave-crossing/ Oh yeah?
Let’s get into it.
In Colorado
In Colorado where I used to live there were two roundabouts at both ends of Park Centre Dr. From my balcony I had a perfect view of one, It dissected the apartment complex which gave me ample opportunity to observe people using the crosswalks.
I never once saw a wave. With witnessing 1000’s of crossings in eight years.
Ambiguity
Again, in Colorado – the law is ambiguous. Why that’s crazy you might say. Because it’s the law! However, the law says, and it’s written on signs before a driver reaches the crosswalk: “Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk”. Therein lays the ambiguity: What constitutes “in”?
Are you “in the crosswalk” when standing on the curb, or approaching? What about when you’re standing in the island that separates the parkway’s lanes?
Behavior
Pedestrian behavior depends, as does the drivers, on their interpretation of The Law, as well as their current state of mind. I suspect that the residents I’ve observed, over eight years, think they are given the presumption of the most generous interpretation. Because we all live here and share the same space all the time. Therefore, there’s no need for the wave. It’s understood. Additionally, the drivers live here, too. Everybody knows.
However, there’s another roundabout, at the other end of Park Centre Drive. This one joins a through street that has no affiliation with the apartment complex. Therefore, it’s a little more dangerous.
What I do
in the danger zone is assume nothing. I never enter the crosswalk when a vehicle is approaching without first making eye contact. In addition, I gauge their speed. Are they in a hurry? Are they distracted? I’m not.
Sometimes they slow down and then I nod, wave and walk. Briskly through. Other times, I’ll wave them on through. What determines my behavior is not what the Psychologists, or the authors, presume. My behavior is based on self preservation and a little fear. Not necessarily my personality.
In Conclusion
Entering a crosswalk can be risky. Is the other, in this case a driver of a powerful machine, friendly or hostile? It’s similar to hiking in the wilderness. Which I detailed in Election 2016, in the chapter “THE LAST HIKE” – the rules of wilderness travel. Is the unknown other a friend or foe? It’s the instinct of self preservation.
As with much of what you find on the Internet and social media – it’s not about your health and well-being; but the platform’s profit. The above article was served up to me on Google, to keep me engaged. It doesn’t matter if the content is erroneous. Additionally, Google has a political bias and seeks to influence my thinking and subsequent behavior.
So, Why the Crosswalk Wave, I wonder.
What do you do? Is it consistent, or does it depend on the context and your state of mind? Let me know in the comments.
Personally, I do my damndest to avoid roundabouts. As far as crosswalks are concerned, where I live, you take your life in your hands if you think anyone is going to yield to you. It’s pretty well known among the residents that you need to yield to cars. Even golf cart drivers are supposed to yield to traffic when crossing the street (our golf courses run between several streets here). But, if I were in your former situation, yeah, I’d probably wave. Why not?
Thanks, Rich. Okay – “you take your life in your hands if you think anyone is going to yield to you.” I’ll put you down for self-preservation. Before Park Centre Drive, I lived next to a golf course and that was interesting. There was a golf cart underpass as well as a crosswalk with a yellow sign depicting a golfer. I didn’t observe any behaviors there. It was a quiet neighborhood.
So, yes, I think it depends on the context – where you live and to that – people adapt. To survive! Personality is secondary.