I agree there's a problem, but I don't think it's the legislation. Here in Michigan peds do have the legal right of way in crosswalks and at intersections where ther are no marked crosswalks. The law exists, but it's poorly enforced, and many drivers do believe that "might makes right."

One time a car almost hit me when I was crossing with the light in a crosswalk. There was a cop car right behind him. At first the cop did nothing. I caught her eye and yelled, "Hey! Go get him!" I was surprised when she actually did put her lights on and pulled the driver over. Other pedestrians who saw this actually cheered and applauded.