February 27, 2013

There is, in my opinion, a simple solution to the “flashing yellow lights” problem.

They create confusion for both the driver and the one wishing to cross the street. The driver has to see the person and assume he or she actually is going to cross. The person has to see that the car is going to stop before entering the street. Is he going to stop? Is he or she going to cross?!

A much better way to address this issue is to eliminate all the guess work involved. My suggestion is to re-activate the buttons so when pushed red lights flash for a period of time. We all know that flashing red lights mean stop and proceed with caution. The driver stops, sees no one crossing and continues on. (Sometimes people just like to play with buttons). If someone is crossing, he or she knows the car will stop. Once cleared, the driver does not have to wait for the lights to turn green. All the yellow lights do is to allow a child to be run over by a car doing 20 mph instead of 35 mph.

Sincerely, 

Larry Phillips
Former Northeast resident