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Countdown Crosswalks...the hypermiler's best friend?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ForTheGlory, Jul 12, 2008.

  1. ForTheGlory

    ForTheGlory New Member

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    "Shot clock crosswalks" (the ones that give a countdown before changing from 'walk' to 'don't walk') have recently been installed at all the intersections along my normal route to work. Since these things have been installed, I've increased the FE on my short commute to work by about 7 mpg (48 to 55 for an 8 mile trip).

    These things are great! Before I had to guess at when a light would turn red based on how long I thought it had been green. I now get a solid indication that I either need to start another pulse to get through the intersection or that I should just continue a glide down to speeds below my normal range.

    As a further bonus, it's possible that they're even useful for pedestrians! ;)
     
    #1 ForTheGlory, Jul 12, 2008
  2. PriuStorm

    PriuStorm Senior Member

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    We've had those for a while, and they are indeed useful for pedestrians too!
     
    #2 PriuStorm, Jul 12, 2008
  3. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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    They are great. I wish they all were like that.
     
    #3 bestmapman, Jul 12, 2008
  4. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    For the lights that don't get replaced with proper roundabouts,
    downcount-timers would be great. Either would allow much better
    planning ahead, less guesswork, and significantly less hazard
    presented by those who are about to guess wrong.
    .
    _H*
     
    #4 hobbit, Jul 12, 2008
  5. brian_peterson

    brian_peterson Junior Member

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    Yeah here in the US Round a bouts confuse us... I know I can't speak for all of us... But in general they are rather rare from my experience. Although I live in the Midwest... When I went to school in Idaho they added one in the City of Rexburg. I swear there was an accident every day...
     
    #5 brian_peterson, Jul 12, 2008
  6. PriuStorm

    PriuStorm Senior Member

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    I know what you mean, re: 'confuse'. We have several round-abouts here in town, too, but it seems that when people see those, they totally ignore the 'Yield' sign and assume that they have the right of way regardless of who's in the round-about already, especially if it's a vehicle smaller than them. I'd like to think it's a problem with education and awareness, but I think it's just the typical highway attitude transferred to city streets of 'Me first. I'm in a hurry. Get out of the way, jerk!'

    Sorry... back on topic. :)
     
    #6 PriuStorm, Jul 13, 2008
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