Shanghai Pedestrian/Traffic Countdown to Red

A video shot in one of Shangai's shopping districts. A clear audible tone is emitted every second or so when the light is green. When within 10 seconds (or whatever time set for a particular intersection), a higher-pitched tone is emitted twice every second. This combination of technologies not only help the disabled, but also the sidetracked pedestrian in deciding whether or not they have adequate time to cross the street. However, cars may also use this technology to decide whether or not to stop when the traffic light is yellow or to accelerate. This technology is used widely throughout some Asian countries.

Intersection of Maoming South Rd & Huaihai Rd

In another part of China, countdown clocks instead countdown the time until the light turns green, which may actually encourage pedestrian-car accidents (See http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/12/02/ooh-and-lets-have-traffic-agents-wave-c...)

1/2009

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• China
• Shanghai
• traffic
• light
• signal
• countdown
• clocks
• pedestrian
• safety
• technology