Letter: Eliminate traffic signal countdown

Hawaii lawmakers are considering prohibiting drivers from making a right turn on red after stop (“Traffic proposals signal stricter safety rules,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 3). The idea is to make it safer for pedestrians.

I don’t support the measure. However, if it does become law, then in all fairness, the state should eliminate the “countdown” and “flashing upraised palm” on the pedestrian signal. It is a violation to enter a crosswalk while the palm is being displayed, whether flashing or steady. Who follows this rule?

The countdown only serves to entice the pedestrian who has not yet entered the crosswalk to make a mad dash to the other side before time expires. This behavior places the jaywalker in danger and slows traffic. It’s simple: Enter on the Man and Stop on the Hand.

Robert Cravalho

McCully-Moiliili

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