Busy intersections can be really dangerous and there have been many close calls with turning morons that don't look for pedestrians.
Yup. I rarely cross at designated cross walks. Good way to get killed. Too many drivers ignore the walk signals.
I'm always prepared to argue my case if a cop stops me for jaywalking, but I suspect they already know the accident rate in crosswalks. The main difference is crosswalk collision speeds are relatively low. Jaywalking collisions are likely to involve higher speeds. But I always wait until the way is clear and there's no risk of being struck -- same as when I ride through red lights after waiting for lights that never change for bicycles.
"Hey, I'm walking here!"