Jaywalking is the act of crossing a road or street within an urban environment outside of a marked crossing area. It is an illegal activity in many cities and carries a variety of penalties. Jaywalking is commonplace in many cities, especially in tourist areas. It is often done by pedestrians who do not look for or who ignore oncoming traffic.
Penalties for Jaywalking
The penalties for jaywalking vary from city to city. Generally, it is a misdemeanor offence that comes with a fine, which can range anywhere from $20 to $200. Additionally, local ordinances may also include jail time or further fines depending on the severity of the violation. Depending on the jurisdiction, jaywalking citations may also be included on your driving record.
Dangers of Jaywalking
Jaywalking is particularly dangerous as pedestrians have very little protection in a collision with a car. Many cities, especially those with high levels of pedestrian traffic, have implemented high visibility crosswalks and pedestrian-friendly traffic laws as a way of reducing the number of jaywalking incidents. By staying on the crosswalk, pedestrians are more easily visible to drivers, and therefore are less likely to suffer an injury.
Conclusion
Jaywalking is a risk that many pedestrians take, particularly in cities with heavy traffic and large numbers of pedestrians. It is important to be aware of the potential fines, jail sentences, and severity of injury that can result from jaywalking.