There's been a rather large number of pedestrians killed in the Greater Toronto Area so far this year. While some may be attributed to the driver, there are also the realities of a pedestrian that must be understood.

Welcome to Pedestrian 101 where you too can learn how not to become a statistic and it's really not all that hard...

1. Pedestrians do not have automatic right of way. The only time you're allowed to enter the traffic flow is when the pedestrian signal indicates that you may walk. What that means, for all you sheeple running from Union Station to your jobs is this: wait your damn turn! A big reason for traffic backups in the city is the last minute runners (or even worse, walkers) for the crossing who thus prevent traffic from making turns in a reasonable manner.

2. Pay as much attention to cars as drivers pay to you. In fact, pay more attention. I've got news for you budding supermen out there: you ain't. Your body, no matter how hefty it may be, is nowhere near as hefty as an automobile and, in a head on collision, you lose. That goes back to point 1, bolting like a rabbit across an intersection that you have no right to be in is a good way to join the statistical lists, especially if the driver doesn't see you.

3. Make eye contact with the driver before you step in front of their vehicle. I see this all the time, cars waiting to make a turn, the driver looking at oncoming traffic, and idiot pedestrian just walks in front of them. Yes, if you do this, you're an idiot. Yes, also true that the driver is an idiot for not looking to make sure, but see point number 2 for who gets the worst of two stupid mistakes.

Being right doesn't alter dead, something pedestrians seem to struggle to grasp. Drivers are also often in a hurry, often just as distracted, and are also prone to human error. They have a slight advantage: a vehicle. It's a little better protection than your coat. So pay attention!

As a side note, the cops needed a longer blitz on the pedestrian ticketing they recently did. The message hasn't sunk in and it's far better that it be sunk in with a fine than a toe tag. Bear that in mind.

A final note, I've largely come to the conclusion that cyclists are the absolute worst users of the road. Worse than cars, pedestrians, and even taxis (who themselves are an offense all on their own). I almost nailed a cyclist making a turn out of a parking garage onto a one-way street a few weeks ago. Basically, there was parked van at the curb, so I had to swing out around him and thus almost into a cyclist going the wrong fucking way. This moron is lucky to be alive, getting hit with a half-ton pickup truck accelerating to speed is a no-win for him. I have to admit, it probably would have shaken me a bit, but I have very little patience for the utterly stupid and would have had little sympathy for him as a result.