We Need Traffic Light Countdown Timers

A Countdown Timer is a device that works like a Digital Wrist Watch. A traffic light that uses a "Countdown Timer," has four elements; a Green light, a Yellow light, a Red light, and a Countdown Timer. A Countdown Timer is a digital display that is placed below the traffic lights. As soon as a light changes to Green, the timer displays the remaining seconds, before the traffic light changes to Yellow. For example! as soon as the light turns Green, the timer displays the number 45; one second thereafter the number 44 is displayed, and so on. As soon as the timer reaches zero, the Yellow Light goes on. The counter again starts decrementing, generally from Five seconds, in order to service the Yellow light.

I am not a big fan of Stop light Cameras. I believe that these cameras create a sense of panic in many drivers, as they approach a Traffic Light Camera Intersection. Should I slow down? Should I speed up? OMG I can't afford a $300. fine! The driver behind me is already accelerating toward me; If I stop, will I get into an accident? OMG the driver behind me is tailgating my car. There is no way that I can stop now, without getting into an accident! With the current Traffic light arrangement, we are making decisions on the basis of insufficient information.

Please look at the YouTube video of a Countdown timer.

We should not be forced to make split second decisions at an intersection. I have seen many drivers accelerate through an intersection at a higher speed than normal, in order to avoid getting a ticket, at a Traffic Camera location. I would be in favor of Traffic Cameras, only if all of the intersections were equipped with Count Down Timers.

Hummm! In favor of Traffic Cameras! Yep! Another Bleeding Heart liberal! "Not true," I am a moderate! The pendulum swings Two ways; I have seen Five cars arrogantly and defiantly, go through a red light at a major intersection.  A Countdown Timer will allow both extremes of the Pendulum to find common ground.