As a pedestrian I wait 3 seconds before attempting to enter any crosswalk. I never step into the road until the car in that lane has come to a stop.

When I reach the middle I begin to crab walk sideways so I can see approaching traffic behind me that may be turning.

I’m STILL alive.

But, quite often, by not asserting my right to enter the crosswalk drivers will barely slow and make a right on red without stopping or yielding.

Many drivers assert they don’t have to yield if you are not yet in the road and they also assert that, as the bigger vehicle, if you see them YOU should stay out of the way. Therefore, possibly, some pedestrians have developed a habit of not looking to keep the driver honest.