A new study suggests crosswalk countdown timers may pose a threat to driver safety. The timers are designed to let pedestrians know how much time they have to cross an intersection but the study indicates that drivers may be using the timers to beat traffic lights.
Arvind Magesan, assistant professor at the University of Calgary, is studying the countdown timers at pedestrian crossings installed at all of Toronto’s intersections. Through his research, he found that intersections were safer overall for pedestrians but not for motorists. Toronto has seen an increase in motor vehicle crashes at intersections since the installation of the timers. When motorists speed up to beat the light their timing can be off, increasing the probability of a crash, Magesan said.
“The problem here is that the drivers can see the countdown too and that makes them speed up, whereas if you could just give the information to the pedestrians maybe you solve this whole problem and you wouldn't have the car accidents, while making pedestrian lives safer,” said Magesan.