Many US places are built for cars. Some streets have no sidewalk, and roads can be wide and fast. These steps keep you safe on foot.
At many corners there is a signal for people walking:
White walking person (or "WALK"): you may start to cross.
Flashing orange hand (or "DON'T WALK") with numbers counting down: do not start to cross. If you are already in the street, keep going.
Steady orange hand: do not cross.
Some signals only change if you press the push button on the pole. If nobody presses it, the walk signal may never come.
A crosswalk is a marked place to cross, often with white stripes. At corners there is often a crosswalk even without paint. Drivers must yield (let you go first) to people in a crosswalk, but always make eye contact with the driver before you step out.
Jaywalking means crossing in the middle of a block or against the signal. Rules and fines are different in each state and city. It is safest to cross at a corner or crosswalk.
In most of the US, drivers may turn right on a red light after stopping. When you have a walk signal, a car on your side may still be turning right across your path. Look left and right.
Drivers turning left also cross your path when they have a green light.
Big trucks and buses cannot see you if you are close beside them.
Wear light colors or something reflective at night. Use your phone light on dark roads.
Where there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side, facing traffic, so you see cars coming.
In winter, ice and snow can hide the curb. Walk slowly.
Expecting cars to stop because you are a pedestrian. Many drivers do not. Wait until the car stops.
Using headphones at full volume while crossing.
Crossing a highway on foot. Walking on highways (freeways, interstates) is not allowed and is dangerous.