[e40]

My rule: if there are cars around, never cross (legally!) unless you have eye contact. That person making a right turn on a red light? They're likely looking left and will you over if you legally start to cross in front of them.

However, I will note: even if you follow this rule, be prepared to jump out of the way. I have to, and often. I walk 4 miles/day in city streets. The number of times I've had to jump out of the way when I had the right of way... ridiculous. Defensive walking or you won't be walking for long.

[dhughes]

When my friends and I discuss such things I like to emphasize that even if you as a pedestrian or cyclist have the right of way but you're hit and killed your objection is invalid since you're dead.

[coderzach]

Every time I get to an intersection I can hear my Grandma's voice telling me, "You can be right, dead right"

[fduran]

My family version is "The cemetery is full of people that were right"

[e40]

I can't tell if you agree or disagree with my statement. I, of course, agree with your statement, and it definitely follows from what I said. Legal right of way means nothing.

[dhughes]

I 100% agree with you, I just added my own interpretation how I explain it.

[gaius]

Eye contact is so important http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccadic_masking