An experiment from Korea: what happens if you show the driver a brick
A Korean blogger conducted an entertaining study, during which he found out that a brick is a necessary, and sometimes necessary, item for a good understanding between a pedestrian and a driver.
Among the drivers there are a number of alternatively gifted ones who do not slow down when approaching a puddle at a pedestrian crossing. It is unlikely that anyone dreams of getting a portion of a cool and dirty shower, but most often in such a situation, pedestrians have no way to avoid this sign of attention from a motorist.
A Korean blogger proved that they can be dealt with simply by picking up a brick. Most of the drivers immediately become helpful and polite.