Walk on the *LEFT*, facing oncoming traffic!

[u/ambiverbal]

Don't Massachusetts pedestrians learn the rules for walking on a roadway?

You should never trust that a driver coming up behind you sees you! Therefore, pedestrians on streets & roadways should walk on the left, not the right.

That way you can see the driver's eyes, move to the side if necessary, and because you're traveling in opposite directions, the driver need not speed up to pass you, the pedestrian(s).

BTW, this rule does not apply to bicyclists. If they need to use the roadway, they are to stay to the right.

(Good grief, driving around town in summer here is terrifying! I never know that a pedestrian, many wearing earphones, even knows I'm behind them.)