In cities, roads stretch wide and people find their way across them via crosswalks. Traffic lights lend a helping hand. Despite their simple design of a few lights perched on a pole, these lights have been wowing us since they first appeared in 1868 in the UK. Originally gas-powered and manually operated, they evolved with time, and the automatic ones appeared in Hampton, maintaining their essence ever since. Did you know that crossing patterns at crosswalks vary from country to country? Well, today, let’s dive into those stories. 🚦
In the UK, most crosswalks have pedestrian-activated button lights. Similar lights are used on busy roads in our country, but they often require quite a wait for the pedestrian signal. That’s why Brits often pay little heed to the light’s color when crossing. Drivers, too, pause gently for those crossing, regardless of the signal. They wait patiently for walkers to cross, though it wouldn’t be surprising if they honked. Yet, they don’t; they wait with a poker face. Pedestrians, too, cross without a hint of expression.
French pedestrians treat crosswalk lights like mere shadows, much like the Brits. However, the drivers are notably kinder. They smile warmly at jaywalking pedestrians and even stop to let waiting pedestrians cross, sometimes encouraging them to break the law with their gestures. It’s rare to see such unconditional kindness, even from a mother to her child! 🇫🇷
In Germany, pedestrians stick to the crosswalk signals with discipline. They don’t shy from pointing out those who don’t. Modern lights usually signal changes before turning red, like blinking green or countdown timers. Here, none of that exists; the signal changes abruptly. Watching startled pedestrians dash across roads is amusing. I remember waiting for a bus by a crosswalk and being thoroughly entertained by the sprinting pedestrians at every signal. 🇩🇪
Italian crosswalk lights include a third, orange light between green and red. Although orange means ‘hold your horses,’ both cars and people move. Italian pedestrians often disregard both the lights and the crosswalks, while drivers seem to have no intention of protecting them. They complement each other well. Cars zoom through narrow alleys, and pedestrians cross wide roads wherever they fancy. Occasionally, a driver might accelerate towards a crossing pedestrian, which is truly frightening. If you ever experience it, you might find your legs frozen, so always be cautious. 🇮🇹
In San Francisco, pedestrians generally respect crosswalk signals. Where there are no lights, drivers yield graciously. There are no reckless pedestrians defying signals or drivers honking at them. It’s all rather smooth and uneventful. But, sometimes, gun incidents happen—not at crosswalks, of course. 🇺🇸
Just a heads-up, even in France, a driver might speed towards a jaywalking pedestrian. It’s always wise to follow traffic signals, no matter where you are. 🚶♂️🚦
Leave a Reply