Marked crosswalks are safety devices put in to place to prevent tragedy. Most jurisdictions give the pedestrian the right-of-way when within them. Interestingly, there is strong evidence that marked crosswalks prompt many pedestrians to feel overly secure when using them. As a result, pedestrians place themselves in hazardous situations on the mistaken belief that a vehicle can and will stop -- even when it may be impossible to do so. It isn’t unusual for this type of pedestrian behavior to cause rear-end collisions when motorists are forced to brake abruptly.
In contrast, a pedestrian using an unmarked crosswalk generally feels less secure, less certain that the vehicle will stop and exercises more caution when waiting for safe gaps in traffic before crossing. Consequently, fewer accidents occur in unmarked crosswalks.
This isn’t to say that jay walking is encouraged, however, when extreme caution on the part of the pedestrian is exercised the number of accidents are reduced. A marked crosswalk is nothing more than a false psychological barrier that gives both pedestrians and motorists a disadvantage. It is good in it’s intent, but can be dangerous when oncoming traffic is ignored.
Many tourists who aren’t familiar with an area often times fall victims to these circumstances, as well as the elderly. It is wise to always look both ways and make eye contact with motorists to convey your intent. Never enter traffic until it is absolutely safe to do so.
