Drivers have become far too aggressive and, worse yet, they have become more lawless. Perhaps this is because there are more cars on the street, or perhaps it is just a pre-existing condition made worse by the steadily increasing traffic volume. Whatever the case, it behooves the pedestrian to exercise great care when hoofing it.
I do quite a bit of walking in my area (North Center/Lakeview), and I take nothing for granted. I generally wait for all signals when available, and exercise great caution whether or not signals are available. My assumption is that someone is going to run a light or speed through the intersection, and I make sure it is clear before walking through.
Another part of my defense is courtesy. It is easier for me than for a two-ton vehicle to stop and wait, so I offer to yield to turning vehicles and those entering and exiting driveways. There’s no guarantee that any pedestrian won’t get run over by some oblivious, cell-phone-equipped, mammoth-SUV driver; but a combination of vigilance, patience and courtesy should improve the odds.
