So you think that you, as a pedestrian, have the right of way? Growing up in the U.S., we are taught to look right, then left, then right again, when crossing the street even though pedestrians have the right of way. I have noticed that most Americans dash out into the streets with the expectations that drivers will stop and allow them to cross. Come on admit it, we are all guilty of expecting the drivers to slow down for us, or the occasional jaywalking. Well, look out Americans because you cannot bring this mentality with you to Europe.
The crosswalks in Europe are called Zebra’s due to their white strips and they are not equipped with pedestrian crossing lights. Some streets do have marked crosswalks with lights that are called Red Men and Green Men which are just like the ones in the U.S. The Red Man is for stop and the Green Man is for go and believe me when you see the green man you better go! The streets are cobbled which can make it hard at times to move across the street quickly while avoiding the busses and trams that drive on the same streets as the cars.
In Prague, it is illegal to cross at a pedestrian crossing on a red man. If you are caught there is a fine of 1000 crowns (1000 CZK=62.41 USD). In the U.S. if you are caught jaywalking there is a fine of $118-$750 ($118 USD=1890.714 CZK). So when in Europe you better look front, back, left, and right…and then, dash across the wild Zebra.
Hey ya’ll do you know why it is called “Jaywalking,” in the U.S.? I would love to hear from you… Here is a little HINT: At times I feel like a “Jay,” in a new country. ☺
PS Happy Birthday Adam Ochs!!!!!
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