Right of Passage

I'm one of those people that's constantly running into others.

And I mean that literally: I really run into others.

I'm notorious for it at work, especially. I round a corner just as someone else is. We come within an inch or two of bumping heads, utter "Oh, excuse me!" and continue on.

For this reason, among others, I've taken to making regular use of hallway mirrors (which exist here to house security cameras), where they exist. So when I come to an "intersection," I check to see if someone is rounding the corner before I continue.

This has helped avoid countless collisions, as I patiently step aside and wait for the path to clear.

But it never ceases to amaze me how these encounters persist in those hallways without mirrors. Time and time again, I have people running out in front of me; walking in the opposite direction with their head down; etc.

In which case, I wonder if I simply don't understand walkway etiquette.

You see, I figure since we drive on the right side of the road, we should similarly walk on the right side of a walkway (hallway, sidewalk, etc.). I'm even prepared to switch to the left, should I ever journey across the ocean to see the Queen!

I also believe that anyone proceeding straight-on in a walkway has the right-of-way over anyone entering the walkway from the side.

And yet, I often wonder if I'm the only one who obeys these unspoken rules.

Cause I'm really tired of running into people, and I'd like to know if there's a handbook out there I should be following.