Since when do we need a rocket launch-style count down to cross the street? 9-8-7 –geeze, I’ve only got six, no five seconds left to that far curb! Nothing like a little more pressure to clear the crosswalk to make way for street-owning motor vehicles.
So, what happens when the count reaches T minus zero? I’ll tell you what – the cars queued up at the red light have been awaiting their own dragster-style start using the same count down. No, these really are not designed for pedestrian safety, they are for enhancing vehicular flow – you don’t want any little old ladies left in the cross walk when the light goes green. And, in another good example of unintended consequences, these flashing numbers have become the driver’s best friend for timing the end of yellow lights as they race to avoid reds.