I make an important modification to this pattern. Whenever visibility is good, I act assertively when I cross streets, whenever my right of way is not in question. I leave just enough time to not be hit by the vehicle, but I don't hesitate nearly as much as other people. I want the driver to be uncomfortable, I want them to know they're doing something wrong, if they choose to go for it. Very often this is the difference between them deciding to cut me off and actually braking and yielding the right of way.
If pedestrians don't take what's theirs (in a safe manner), there are just far too many drivers who will ignore them. Fixing that will take decades, best case, but I want to walk around my neighbourhood as a first-class citizen now. So I do.
Disclaimer: I am tall, visible, only do this in good visibility, and live in Canada where driver behaviour is a bit better. If the situation is borderline, I never tempt fate, rather I throw my hands up in the air and make it obvious that yes, I hereby assert that this driver is being an asshole.
If pedestrians don't take what's theirs (in a safe manner), there are just far too many drivers who will ignore them. Fixing that will take decades, best case, but I want to walk around my neighbourhood as a first-class citizen now. So I do.
Disclaimer: I am tall, visible, only do this in good visibility, and live in Canada where driver behaviour is a bit better. If the situation is borderline, I never tempt fate, rather I throw my hands up in the air and make it obvious that yes, I hereby assert that this driver is being an asshole.