As a pedestrian I had a too courteous driver stop for me to cross only to be rear ended by the traffic still going 40 mph. The two cars together went through the cross walk and then some, I'm glad I didn't walk out when the driver waved to me. Of course I'm sure he blamed me...

In residential areas this isn't a problem, but on a fast or multi lane road it is a serious danger, but let it be a danger to them, don't go until you are certain it is safe.