Earlier quoted context omitted.
I still don't understand the concept of "jaywalking". Is there something wrong with crossing the road in the US?
In the US, you can generally only cross at crosswalks (for sections of roads that have crosswalks,) and only when the signal is in your favor if there is a signal. Beyond that it decays into a bunch of state and local laws. You can get a ticket in many places for crossing at the wrong spot, or agains the signals, even if you didn't inconvenience anyone.
I'm starting to see why the stereotypical USian drives everywhere, even in small areas.