Streetwise.
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Photo: greg |
In England it's called the Highway Code. We all remember that exciting set of instructions drummed into us by our parents in their persistent attempt to save us from testing how soft flesh and hard metal interact.
Jaywalking is born with us. Society in every country built lights and crossings and also proudly package rules and regulations that are sometimes more, sometimes less enthusiastically enforced. Crossing a street in Germany reveals a discipline still to this day, that is seldom experienced elsewhere.
When the red light is on at a pedestrian crossing, pedestrians mostly wait for a green one. Even if no traffic is passing. Police have to intercept those that cross, people glare at those not setting a good example. Peer pressure at its finest. My belief is that it is better to teach offspring to watch for cars rather than green lights but I'm a foreigner.
I think it was Bob Hope who, when asked his age in an interview for radio, responded that he had just turned 80 but when he adds on the time he has spent at airports, he was actually 82. This can be plagiarised and adapted for the Germans at pedestrian lights.
My irresponsible, non-binding suggestion for those who find it impossible to adapt, is to take a look around and see if there are children, parents accompanied by youngsters and kids in prams or elderly and frail folk who might thoughtlessly follow into passing cars. Or police officers. If not then feel free to take life and responsibility into your own hands. By the way, the fine is cas surprisingly low as so many in German legislation.
