Mike
We’ve all been there: standing impatiently at a crosswalk, repeatedly jabbing the button, hoping it’ll speed up the light change. But does this repetitive pressing actually do anything, or is it just an urban legend?
Enter @trafficlightdoctor from TikTok, the guru of all things traffic-related. In his latest viral video, he breaks down the science and logic behind why you might want to press that crosswalk button more than once.
If you’ve ever been curious (or just want to justify your impatient button mashing), keep reading!
“It doesn’t matter if you press this button one time or a hundred times, it’s still going to do the same thing and just receive a call, and it won’t drop out until that call is answered.”
“Once it’s answered, it will drop out, and that button will be back to where it was prior to you ever pressing it.”
“So feel free to push these buttons as many times as you want to.”
@trafficlightdoctor Replying to @odis
Crosswalks in the US come in various designs and functionalities to ensure pedestrian safety in different traffic environments. The traditional crosswalk is often controlled by a simple push-button, signaling the traffic system to change the light and allow pedestrians to cross.
More advanced crosswalks now utilize passive detection sensors, like infrared or microwave sensors, which automatically detect a pedestrian’s presence without the need for a button push. Some busy urban areas have incorporated countdown timers, which inform pedestrians of the time they have left to safely cross.
Additionally, in areas with a significant visually-impaired population, audible signals and tactile paving are integrated into crosswalk systems to aid those with visual challenges. Each type of crosswalk and its corresponding system is designed with the intention of maximizing safety while ensuring the efficient flow of both vehicular and foot traffic.
People were also curious about the 3 second hold. He posted a followup video about it.
@trafficlightdoctor Replying to @adriaaaa_nnn
Here’s what people are saying in the comments:
