At least they're not doing this while driving!
So, it seems this is a contrast between training (and enforcing, training's no good without followup) every pedestrian to a standard level of competence to provide a fraction of a minute's convenience for the driver/rider, or convince the driver/rider to take responsibility for the conditions he or she presents around others who might not follow one's wishful thinking to the letter.
Why is this such an uphill battle?