Pedestrians have the right of way. Its makes sense. Its as it should be. There is no doubt or argument about that. Even if they are jaywalking, you HAVE to stop for them.
Other than the obvious reason why you should jaywalk - you will DIE - the reason why we have crosswalks and lights as that there needs to be some order when you are in a high traffic area - cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, skateboarders, hoverboarders, pedestrians, handicapped folks with walkers and wheelchairs, etc...can not all occupy the same space at once and people will DIE if there isn't that basic, common sense organization.
THAT is why there are red lights/green lights/crosswalks/ cross walk signals and countdowntimers...So we can move around in a relatively organized manner without bumping into each other and allowing each other to pass in a safe manner for us all.
It goes without even being said that on most major streets, if you cross without using the crosswalk - you are a stupid asshole and DESERVE to be hit by a car. From when we were all little kids, we were taught to look out for cars when crossing the street. Its common sense. We ALL know that if you are hit by a car you will fucking DIE. STAY OUT OF THE STREET...use your goddamn heads.
That being said, the signals at a crosswalk that pedestrians use is just as valid as the green/red lights that vehicles must abide by. USE the cross walk. Pay attention to the signals. Get your ass out of the street. Cross walk or not, the street is a danger zone. You are not in a truck-proof bubble. You are fucking up the program when cars have to wait for you. As a pedestrian, you do NOT have that right.
Cops choosing to target crosswalks to issue revenue generating tickets is just stupid.
YES its illegal. YES, if a cop see's you crossing against the signal or not having your stupid ass out of the crosswalk in time - you should get a ticket. You are fucking the program up.
Cops need to spend their time working on REAL problems. They need to be in fucking Skid Row like an occupying army targeting gang members and drug dealers. Not going after $$$ by targeting jaywalkers. Fucking pricks...
Drivers and cyclists - you take no priority over the right of way. Pedestrians have a right to cross the street. They will ALWAYS have the right of way. Legal or illegal.
Pedestrians - Stop fucking up the program. GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE STREET. Use the crosswalk. Pay attention to the signals. Its easy to do. Cross when you have the light, be out of the street when that light changes. If you cant do that, then you simply cant handle the common sense responsibility of walking down the sidewalk.
Cops - What the fuck is wrong with you? Go after CRIMINALS...not jay walkers...you want respect? THEN EARN IT ASSHOLE...arrest bad guys. Clean the scum up. Don't sit there like a big pussy and target jay walkers for revenuce generating tickets. FUCK YOU.