Ever watched someone slam the s*#@ out of a pedestrian crossing button? Does it make you feel better when you push it lots of times? Do you find it amusing to see someone getting aggressive with that traffic light post?

I was having a conversation last night with a friend about the multiple press. Sarah is convinced that pressing the button multiple times actually works, and I love her for that. After an extensive discussion on the topic I thought it was time we called in the big guys.

Vicky from Vic Roads was able to tell me this:

A: Does pushing the button more than once actually make a difference, will it go faster?

V: No it doesn't. Once it's been recorded the first time then that's it.

So there you have it kids, you can now experience great joy in telling the rather ****** off person punching that button that it won't make a difference and watch their appreciative reaction. :glee:

xx a

hahaha yeah I think its kinda funny watching an impatient person press it multiple times. I can't help but look at them and think "you tool". lol

I'll just add:... I get soooo annoyed when you see some idiot walking along pressing the buttons for fun and all the traffic stops because of it. So that's my pedestrian 'rage'.

I only touch the button if I have to cos I'm scared of how dirty they are. If there's someone else there I'll just assume they hit the button and if I have to touch it with my bare hands I'll use one finger then wipe it on my coat. Haha - it's the most exciting thing about the walk from my car to my building.

how do you cope with door handles and loo seats? :chuckle:

how do you cope with door handles and loo seats? :chuckle:
With my little finger ;)

I'll be sure to avoid your little finger then now I know that's where the germs are (giggle) :spin:

x

feedback from a non- forum user :strawberry:

"I punch them with my fists so I don't get dirty fingers.
And I press them a few times because it passes the time.
Each time I press it I know that it will be changing sooner than the last time I pressed it.

Also, I know that it is a traffic light button and not a slow loading link on a dial up connection, so each click isn't going to mean I have to start waiting for it to change all over again.

Face it, multiple presses is healthier than smoking a ciggie while you wait. "
:music: :music:

ohh this gets on my nerves the button pushing people! :shockedhair:

ok so if you're standing at the lights you would assume you've pressed the button - so why do people on the other side of the road press it too?! drives me nuts.

same as waiting for a lift - people always come up and press the button again - hello, do you think i'm standing here doing nothing? i've pressed it, it's lit up, i'm waiting already!

i had someone do this the other day at the shops (was with my yummy mummy friend with a pram so had to take the lift options) and another mum came up and pressed it (it was clearly lit up already) then when the lift arrived she barged in ahead of us and wasn't going to make room to let us, who were in line first, in! i barged in with the pram and made her move!

ok rant over... :penguin:

Ok so maybe we need good old Vicky from Vic Roads back on the phone (bless her) but I think that when the button on the other side of the road is pressed it will register and a signal is set off and the light on that post is lit.

I am pretty certain that it is only when the same button is pressed multiple times that you are put into 'angry idiot' status or 'just whiling away the time' status

:whistle:

feedback from a non- forum user :strawberry:

"I punch them with my fists so I don't get dirty fingers.
And I press them a few times because it passes the time.
Each time I press it I know that it will be changing sooner than the last time I pressed it.

Also, I know that it is a traffic light button and not a slow loading link on a dial up connection, so each click isn't going to mean I have to start waiting for it to change all over again.

Face it, multiple presses is healthier than smoking a ciggie while you wait. "
:music: :music:

I have to agree with this non-forum user. I do sometimes push the button a few times (although not bang-bang-bang one-after-another) just to pass some time. I do try to resist though, and use as little bare skin as possible!

I must confess I'm a multiple presser. But that's only because I get "the rage" with any kind of transport, even the foot-based kind! Perhaps I should consider some anger management workshops...

One thing I really do hate as a pedestrian is cars that refuse to stop for you, even if you're already walking across a crossing. I have had so many near-misses it's ridiculous - particularly with drivers talking on their mobile phones. They get cuss words and the middle finger. Ha, take that!

I must confess I'm a multiple presser. But that's only because I get "the rage" with any kind of transport, even the foot-based kind! Perhaps I should consider some anger management workshops...

One thing I really do hate as a pedestrian is cars that refuse to stop for you, even if you're already walking across a crossing. I have had so many near-misses it's ridiculous - particularly with drivers talking on their mobile phones. They get cuss words and the middle finger. Ha, take that!
This happened once to my friend and I as we were coming out of a Brumbies game. We were crossing a zebra crossing and this car just went straight past us, it nearly hit us, so we both banged our fists on the back of it as it was going past. It felt good.

how do you cope with door handles and loo seats? :chuckle:
I have a friend who hates touching the doors in public toilets. She gets toilet paper to cover her hand while she pushes the door open & then drops it on the floor!

Generally, I don't use public toilets. I also have an aversion to reading newspapers/magazines in coffee shops as many people have sneezed, coughed and touched pages with questionable cleaned hands.

I always remember the survey conducted on a bowl of peanuts placed on the bar in the Grand Hyatt. After 10 minutes the remaining nuts were taken away and tested for bactera. The final results indicated 8 different urine samples. :vomit: :vomit: :vomit:

Oh I heard that too. Gross huh!

Well I for one love pressing the button multiple times, I don't care how many other people are at the intersection, I WILL NOT BE STOPPED!!!!!!!!!!

Generally, I don't use public toilets. I also have an aversion to reading newspapers/magazines in coffee shops as many people have sneezed, coughed and touched pages with questionable cleaned hands.

I always remember the survey conducted on a bowl of peanuts placed on the bar in the Grand Hyatt. After 10 minutes the remaining nuts were taken away and tested for bactera. The final results indicated 8 different urine samples. :vomit: :vomit: :vomit:

Oh gross, yes, I heard about that too charismatic. Disgusting! Just on hygiene phobias more generally I've taken to carrying around a little bottle of instant hand sanitiser...am sure it dries the bejesus out of my hands but it kills 99.9% of germs, and that's what counts! Great for travel too.

Oh gross, yes, I heard about that too charismatic. Disgusting! Just on hygiene phobias more generally I've taken to carrying around a little bottle of instant hand sanitiser...am sure it dries the bejesus out of my hands but it kills 99.9% of germs, and that's what counts! Great for travel too.

I relied on that trusty alcohol hand cleaner when we were in China. The state of the toilets was undescribable so I just made Laura run out and then we "washed" our hands!

I have a friend who hates touching the doors in public toilets. She gets toilet paper to cover her hand while she pushes the door open & then drops it on the floor!

and who picks up after her mess?

little princess!

;)

One thing I really do hate as a pedestrian is cars that refuse to stop for you, even if you're already walking across a crossing. I have had so many near-misses it's ridiculous - particularly with drivers talking on their mobile phones. They get cuss words and the middle finger. Ha, take that!

I am a 99% pedestrian (I don't drive) and I have been hit at actual pedestrian crossings quite a few times. My tolerance level is nil now. I get narky very fast (abuse & finger), but if someone waits for me I always smile & wave (pedestrian crossing or not) and get across as fast as I can. The sneak-forward people really p*ss me off, I go extra slow for them...............

Yes we are dangerous drivers here. Even in those crazy asian countries where they seemingly have no road rules, they don't threaten pedestrians. When I was in USA I was surprised that everytime I went near the kerb all the traffic would stop, to give way to me in case I was going to cross the road. That would never happen here.

When I was in USA I was surprised that everytime I went near the kerb all the traffic would stop, to give way to me in case I was going to cross the road. That would never happen here.

Except in New York! My experience was pure Seinfeld:

Taxi: "Ah, come on! Whaddyathink yer doing numbnuts? I'm drivin' here!"
Pedestrian: "Hey jackass, I'm walkin' here!"

I was in L.A.

I was in L.A.

*bump*

LA surprised me actually. Everyone was so friendly! Did you find that too?

Yeah but Americans are a strange breed. Incredibly insular and conservative. In LA they couldn't understand me as they thought I was talking too fast. They also thought I was Irish :confused: Got the usual idiot lines about kangaroos in the streets but then I also met quite a few people who had never even heard of Sydney before! :shockedhair: AND this was 2000 only a couple of months before the Olympics here!

Yeah but Americans are a strange breed. Incredibly insular and conservative. In LA they couldn't understand me as they thought I was talking too fast. They also thought I was Irish :confused: Got the usual idiot lines about kangaroos in the streets but then I also met quite a few people who had never even heard of Sydney before! :shockedhair: AND this was 2000 only a couple of months before the Olympics here!

My generalisation about Americans is that they're very kind, but very dumb. They have no need to learn about the world. They do, however, (for the most part) have a remarkable depth of knowledge about their own country which we sadly don't have.

When in Sydney recently I was shocked by the number of pedestrians who just walked straight onto the road without even looking, expecting cars to stop. I can't understand this for the life of me! Yes, pedestrians legally have right of way (although I think it's ridiculous if people think that means they can just step out on to the road wherever they please) - but aside from that, cars are so much bigger and heavier! When I was learning to drive, I remember my mum always advising me to give way to cars or trucks bigger than me. Now driving a Barina, this means pretty much everything! I feel this little rule should apply to pedestrians too. What is wrong with crossing at the lights or zebra crossings!

Yeah I have noticed that about NSW too Celestefay. Pedestrians just step out into the road without waiting for cars to stop. Just a different set of assumptions I guess - drivers there would be used to pedestrians doing this so nobody gets hit :)

Yeah I have noticed that about NSW too Celestefay. Pedestrians just step out into the road without waiting for cars to stop. Just a different set of assumptions I guess - drivers there would be used to pedestrians doing this so nobody gets hit :)

:ashamed: I have been known to yell out "it's not the Bourke Street Mall, you know!".

I relied on that trusty alcohol hand cleaner when we were in China. The state of the toilets was undescribable so I just made Laura run out and then we "washed" our hands!

I have a confession to make. As a psychologist I have been diagnosed (by other medical professional) and have diagnosed myself as having a rather severe case of obsessive compulsive disorder in relation to hygene. I have had the problem ever since I was a little girl and my nanna and cousin also had it. Despite comprehensive treatment for many years my condition has not improved.

I don't think it's strange and my family are used to it now so it doesn't bother them but when I meet new people they think I am seriously weird. Here is a rundown on my OCD:

Can't use public Toilets - would rather burst my bladder first!

Will not drink out of glasses other than my own special ones that just I use at home. If anyone else uses my glass (and I see it) I throw the glass away. This also means in reataurants and hotels etc I will not use the glasses. I drink out of can's or bottles and if it isn't appropriate to use these I simply don't drink. The same goes with cutlery - I usually sneak my own in. Plates and bowls don't worry me so much.

I won't touch public lift or pedestrian crossing buttons. If I have to I will whip out a tissue to put over my hands.

Just don't do buffets and things because I worry the food has been handled by everyone.

If I have a packet of chips and someone asks for one I give them the rest of the packet as I am fearful that by putting their hand in the packet I will get germs.

I also find shaking hands with strange people quite frightening and handling money makes me get out the wipes!

Could you imagine me in a beauty shop when they try to put testers on me..... Freak out!

I just wanted to say that I know this type of behaviour is not rational. I am trying really hard to help myself put this condition into perspective but it isn't easy. Despite medication etc to help it really is a psychological barrier that I have to overcome. Luckily I am trained in the right field to be able to help myself a little.

Anyway just though I would share this with you forumers in case anyone else out there might share a similar experience. This is such a common condition and if anyone else has it just want them to know they are not alone.

I'm certainly not at the same level as you PCC but I am a hygeine and cleanliness freak. I try to avoid touching things in public (escalator handrails, elevator buttons, public phones) etc and if I do then I have to wash my hands straight away or I keep imagining the germs on my hands for the rest of the day. I carry around a little packet of alcohol-based hand wipes for this purpose! I actually don't mind public toilets at decent shopping centres because I see that they are cleaned so regularly - but I never see the handrails on trains cleaned, for instance - so I try never to touch those. I'm also a psycho about not touching my face or putting my hands in my mouth. I wash my hands at least ten times a day, hence the sheer amount of hand cream I go through!

But here's the thing, right? I've never been sick from a contagious disease that is spread through hand-to-mouth contact. I've never - in my life - had a bad cold or flu. Sometimes I'll get sniffly for a day, but I've never had a cold, flu or sore throat that has landed me in bed. People laugh at my obsession with not contracting virus-bearing germs, but I never ever get sick!

I carry around detol wipes, a mini bottle of hand wash (so I don't have to touch any liquid dispencers etc) and a little tiny spray bottle of pinoclean! I got a school sore when I was tiny (about 5) and I think this and genetics started off my condition. I don't give myself the oppurtunity to catch anything nast now and to be honest that's fine with me!

I have a confession to make. As a psychologist I have been diagnosed (by other medical professional) and have diagnosed myself as having a rather severe case of obsessive compulsive disorder in relation to hygene. I have had the problem ever since I was a little girl and my nanna and cousin also had it. Despite comprehensive treatment for many years my condition has not improved.

I don't think it's strange and my family are used to it now so it doesn't bother them but when I meet new people they think I am seriously weird. Here is a rundown on my OCD:

Can't use public Toilets - would rather burst my bladder first!

Will not drink out of glasses other than my own special ones that just I use at home. If anyone else uses my glass (and I see it) I throw the glass away. This also means in reataurants and hotels etc I will not use the glasses. I drink out of can's or bottles and if it isn't appropriate to use these I simply don't drink. The same goes with cutlery - I usually sneak my own in. Plates and bowls don't worry me so much.

I won't touch public lift or pedestrian crossing buttons. If I have to I will whip out a tissue to put over my hands.

Just don't do buffets and things because I worry the food has been handled by everyone.

If I have a packet of chips and someone asks for one I give them the rest of the packet as I am fearful that by putting their hand in the packet I will get germs.

I also find shaking hands with strange people quite frightening and handling money makes me get out the wipes!

Could you imagine me in a beauty shop when they try to put testers on me..... Freak out!

I just wanted to say that I know this type of behaviour is not rational. I am trying really hard to help myself put this condition into perspective but it isn't easy. Despite medication etc to help it really is a psychological barrier that I have to overcome. Luckily I am trained in the right field to be able to help myself a little.

Anyway just though I would share this with you forumers in case anyone else out there might share a similar experience. This is such a common condition and if anyone else has it just want them to know they are not alone.

That was very brave of you to share with us all PCC, thanks for doing so, I'm sure that others in a similar situation will appreciate your honesty, and it also opens the doors for more understanding for those who do suffer the same or a similar condition. You are fortunate to have such insight into your condition as you do. I wish you the best in overcoming this. :hearts:

Well said BPJ, lovely words, wow - we have such a supportive network here.

What they said - no-one could say it better!

I avoid the cookie jar at work. All the guys come in and fish their way to the bottom to get their favourite one.... freaks me out coz we all know most men don't wash their hands after the loo! :vomit:

I avoid the cookie jar at work. All the guys come in and fish their way to the bottom to get their favourite one.... freaks me out coz we all know most men don't wash their hands after the loo! :vomit:

:shockedhair: how true

A friend once told me 2 out of 3 people in the world don;t wash their hands after the toilet. But then I thought 2 out of 3 people don't have the chance to go to a toilet or to wash their hands :(. I guess she meant like Aust or Europe...