[brynx97]

As an American living in Krakow for the last 15 months, Poland has near universal respect for pedestrian right of way. If there is even the possibility that a pedestrian needs to cross at a cross-walk, cars will slow and stop. In the US, this would never happen. When new Americans come through, we have to tell them very plainly they must stop for pedestrians everywhere, it is sacred that you let them cross. There are a lot of other related things, but in general, Poland in my mind places people above cars, so pedestrians are much safer walking around. The US could benefit greatly with this change in attitude, but I feel there is too much road rage and selfishness to accomodate this mindset on the road.

[gambiting]

Just fyi, this is a very recent change of behaviour. As recently as ~10 years ago no one would ever stop for you in front of a pedestrian crossing in Poland. The law required you to stop but only if a pedestrian was already on the crossing - someone waiting on the side? That's their problem.

The law was changed to say that if someone is waiting in front of the crossing you have to stop(with fines for not doing so) and the behaviour has changed to what it is now - you are right, most Polish drivers will stop for you if you even look like you want to cross - but it wasn't like this not long ago.

It also caused a massive uproar across drivers, as if the sky was going to fall down if they have to stop for pedestrians - and yet, it's all fine.

So you know, maybe in US it also isn't a lost cause, maybe it could change for the better.

[Fradow]

That must depends on location heavily.

While I have not visited the US extensively, I was very surprised when in California at how respectful drivers were with pedestrians, not just stopping for them, but stopping a few meters before the crossings.

Krakow was good as well, but not to that extent. In France, overall the rural part is pretty respectful, and the bigger the city, the worst it is (in Paris and Marseille, it's not great).

The absolute worst city I've been to in that regard was Naples, were motorists will not stop at crossings unless you actively step in their way.

So yeah, a lot of answers are going to vary drastically depending on what's the driving culture there. Universally motorists will stop at lights, because of that harsh possible consequences of running a light (getting T-boned), but stopping for pedestrians at crossings vary widly.

[nine_k]

In the US this also happens, if, like in Krakow, you happen to try it in an actual old and dense city, like NYC.

It of course cannot happen in car-oriented suburbs, where you a driver can't even expect pedestrians to exist.

[ajuc]

Suburbs in Poland still have pedestrians tho.