In article , J. P. Gilliver (John)
wrote:

In the UK, if you hit a pedestrian wiht your car you will be
charged with either "Dangerous driving" or "Driving without due
care and attention" and you have to make the case that it was
unavoidable.

Yes we have very much a blame culture in the UK, there's no such
thing as an 'accident'.

Has there ever been a case where - *especially where there is a
pedestrian light against which they crossed* - a _pedestrian_ has been
penalised, especially if they caused a vehicle to swerve to avoid them
and hit another vehicle, street furniture, etcetera? (_Harder_ to prove
as - AFAIK! - "leaving the scene of an accident" may not be an offence,
and is certainly easier, for pedestrians.)

if that does happen, it's very rare. cops like to go after the drivers
because the fines are a lot higher. it's all about money and quotas.

In UK, AFAIK, it isn't actually an _offence_ - though it may be stupid -
for a _pedestrian_ to cross against a red light, though it is for a
vehicle. I think it is in Germany (or was about 40 years ago, and I
doubt it's changed); and I have heard mention of "jaywalking" in the
USA, so I think it is there too?

jaywalking does exist and is generally stupid, however, it's not always
illegal, and in new york city, jaywalking is expected.