[electric_eel]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Jaywalking is illegal in USA. Singapore is very fussy about where and when one can cross a road on foot. I don't think that Europe cares so much, and it is certainly not illegal in Britain: we only really know the word from American usage. Mind you, pedestrians do have greater rights, which drivers are supposed to respect, and are expected to know the basics of safely using the street on foot.

Plus there is a not so honorable history for the term Jaywalking.

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26073797.

Except for highways/expressways and other dedicated speed ways, pedestrians should be given the preference. They are the most vulnerable of the road users, and, if you think about it, the most cleanest users of the road. My own state is not a good place for pedestrians. Many of the country roads in Kerala are narrow, winding and do not have any kind of foot path. In addition there is thick undergrowth on the sides (especially during monsoons) with vipers and other deadly creatures lurking around. Being a pedestrian is a nightmare even in broad daylight. I think we as drivers should treat them better.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Thanks! Interesting history.

This might be a good point to repeat (I've posted it often) my dad's theory lesson on pedestrians:

Dad: When does a pedestrian have right of way?

Me: mentions some instance in the British Highway Code

Dad: True, but it's not the answer

Dad/Me: repeat the above for all the Highway-Code stuff I could remember.

Eventually, when I could think of no more:

Dad: Always: we are not allowed to run them over.

He was a great teacher.