NYC to install 1500 countdown traffic lights (New York, York: safety, transportation, cities)

[cyrusjul]

I am surprise that NYC has such a low fatality rate.

Of the 10 largest U.S. cities, New York recorded the lowest traffic fatality rate: 3.5 per 100,000 residents, compared with an average 7.75 per 100,000 among the others, according to the Transportation Department report released today.

New York City Will Add 1,500 Timers for Pedestrians to Make Streets Safer - Bloomberg

[DC90]

Do people even care if the light is red or not?

Everyone jaywalks in NYC.

[StuddedLeather]

Hopefully that'll make people stop crossing the street when you're making a left or right turn. That's the main reason why traffic builds up. The worst!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[StuddedLeather]

Originally Posted by DC90

Do people even care if the light is red or not?

Everyone jaywalks in NYC.

You should see 5th ave at around (3-7pm) From the time the light turns green everyone is just walking, with no sense of care at all.

[tpk-nyc]

They've been installed on 14th Street for a few months now. They do make a difference, even in a city of hardened jaywalkers. I don't know if they're safer, but they feel more efficient.

[Fred314X]

There's a new countdown light at the intersection of Kings Highway and Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn. Come stand at that corner and watch how people treat it. You'll see people dashing across the street as it counts down--and pretty soon you realize that countdown traffic lights don't necessarily promote greater safety. I have a feeling that the theory behind those things doesn't translate as well in practice as it's supposed to. Not in this town, at least.