Right-of-way rules exist for motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, watercraft, airplanes, and even paragliders; these rules determine which one should go first when there is only space for one to safely proceed at a time. While right-of-way rules differ on land, air, and water, all right-of-way rules are premised on common sense notions of courtesy and civility, as well as basic safety concepts. Particularly when drivers do not observe right-of-way rules, tragic consequences can occur, especially for pedestrians. While pedestrians certainly should use caution and ensure their own safety in crossing roadways, drivers should observe all pertinent right-of-way rules, which generally involve yielding to pedestrians. Moreover, failure to follow right-of-way rules is not only dangerous, but illegal. Most states have laws that specifically address right-of-way rules, and drivers, and in some cases, pedestrians, can be ticketed for failing to abide by those laws. Nonetheless, violations of right-of-way rules are typically civil infractions that do not affect one's permanent criminal record, and do not involve serving jail time.