There seem to be two common behaviors exhibited these days by pedestrians crossing a street in front of a moving car.

One, continue at your own, often normal, pace and look straight ahead projecting the attitude that this is your God-given right, the cars will wait.

Two, continue at even slower than slow pace and stare at the driver of said approaching vehicle, projecting the attitude that you’d better stop; how dare you even think of impeding my path.

True, drivers are more likely these days to have attitudes of their own such as “I’m busy and in a hurry” or “get out of my way” leading the list.

It used to be there was a different manner in how to handle a car and pedestrian right-of-way quandary. Usually it involved the pedestrian hurrying up and gratefully acknowledging the courtesy of the driver allowing the pedestrian to cross. Sociable waves and respect often were exchanged.

In current times, pedestrians seem to assume, despite the fact they always will lose in an actual physical meeting of car vs. person, that drivers are responsible for allowing them to safely cross a street anytime, anywhere.

The attitude of “it is all about me” is rampant. Whether a pedestrian has the right to be in front of a moving vehicle is one thing; the wisdom of placing oneself in such a dangerous position is something else.

A little respect for other people’s agendas and common courtesy would sure go a long way.