City
Are we Just Counting Down to an Accident?
You've probably seen them - the new pedestrian crosswalk signals - complete with a countdown timer. The timer is designed to let drivers and pedestrians know how much time is left before the light switches from green to amber.
These new timer crossings are starting to appear in busy spots around the city, as well as replacements to the old pedestrian crosswalk lights.
Similar systems have also been installed in a number of US cities, including Washington and San Fransisco. Like those cities, Toronto officials hope that the new lights will help cut down on the 200 plus accidents involving pedestrians that occur each month.
But is that really the case?
While its too soon to tell if the new systems will really help to cut down on cars clipping walkers while rushing to beat the light, reactions are already starting to flow in. And it's not looking so good for the bipedal travelers.
According to several stories quoting driver's reactions to the new lights, the opposite effect might be taking place to what has been hoped for. Drivers are using the countdown timers to effectively gauge whether they should speed up to beat the amber light, not stop to avoid a potential accident.
And pedestrian aren't any better. I only say that from my own experience, mind you. So far, I haven't changed my habits at all. As I see the timer wind down, I think to myself "oh yeah, I've still got time. Its not yellow yet". And I'm not the only one.
I can see it now: a sick game called "beat the clock". I don't think I'd like to loose that one.
Its going to take more than a timer to get anyone on the road (or sidewalk) to change their habits. Lets just hope this doesn't make the problem worse.
blogTO flickr pool photo courtesy of sjgardiner
Discussion
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This is so true. I've caught myself doing it and have had to teach myself to react to it differently.
Since you mention how the system's been installed in other cities, is there any data so far on how it's helped or not helped there?
I think the fact is that drivers and pedestrians who have always acted dangerously will continue to do so, regardless of the tools at their hands.
The best is on my bike though. Now I can tell for sure whether it's worth stepping up the pedal power or if I should just start cruising to the light from a far.
I first saw these in Hong Kong and thought they were brilliant. I'm glad we have them here and I'd hope the people using these to encourage their dangerous behaviour are in the minority.
I would much appreciate money being spent on a co-ordinated traffic light system rather than these countdown timers.
Having one light turn green then the immediate next light turn red as I'm approaching is definitely not lending to efficiently moving cars around the city.
They are for the safety of pedestrians, not your traffic convenience. Congestion is a separate issue. The sad part is if the motorist screws up, someone walking pays the price. Hope you never find that out.