jaywalker

A jaywalker is a pedestrian who crosses a street outside of designated crosswalks or against traffic signals, in violation of traffic laws. The term "jaywalking" originated in the early 20th century in the United States, with "jay" being a slang term for a naïve or inexperienced person, suggesting that such pedestrians were acting foolishly or irresponsibly.

Jaywalking is often discouraged by law enforcement because it increases the risk of accidents and injuries involving pedestrians and vehicles. Many jurisdictions have implemented laws and regulations to regulate pedestrian crossing behaviors, including fines or penalties for violations. These laws typically specify that pedestrians should cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections with pedestrian signals, and adhere to traffic signals for their safety.

Despite regulations, jaywalking remains common in many urban areas worldwide. Factors contributing to jaywalking include short distances to cross, poor pedestrian infrastructure, or lack of awareness about crossing rules. Pedestrian safety campaigns and urban planning efforts aim to reduce jaywalking by improving crosswalk availability, installing pedestrian signals, and raising public awareness.

Legal enforcement of jaywalking varies by region, with some areas strictly penalizing violators, while others treat it as a minor offense. Critics argue that overly stringent enforcement can be pedestrian-unfriendly, especially when infrastructure is inadequate. Overall, awareness and proper infrastructure are key to minimizing risky pedestrian behaviors such as jaywalking.