I've been a lot in Germany and Benelux countries, where people mostly slow down and stop a looong way ahead to let you safely pass. But I discovered pretty fast in US that driving culture and respecting pedestrians is pretty 3rd world level here, and I'm coming from an ex-Soviet country. :D In the first week here I got cut off by a car coming from behind when I was around the middle of crosswalk, he passed me full speed like 5 inches from me. And the guy didnt even gain anything as there was red on next crossing. But then again you all have guns here and lots of crazy people so it's not like I'm going to run to him and start cursing and beating his car, which could be the case back at home.