With the recent increase in pedestrians being struck in crosswalks, I’ve always wondered if it would be better if there were no numerical countdowns and only the white and red signals.

To me, the countdown gives both pedestrians and drivers a sense that they can make it through the intersection if they hurry — a wrong message.

A simple solution to this problem is to eliminate the countdown numbering system and just have the red and white signals. Then, educate everyone that white signal means cross, and red hand means do not enter the crosswalk. Period.

Edward Omine

Wailuku

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