Do those buttons at crosswalk that say "Push for cross signal" or whatever really help?

Question

It seems like you can press them forever but the light will not change any faster.

Answer 1

the button does not make the light change most of them no longer work

this might exlpain it

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/27/nyregi...

Answer 2

The push button is placed at intersections to allow for pedestrians to cross the intersection before traffic flow is allowed to proceed.  It doesn't make the lights change faster, but inserts the green "Walk" signal into the traffic light programming.  If you don't push the button, you won't get the "walk" signal.

So it does help, but not by speeding up the signal change.

Answer 3

well the signal is timed when you push the walk button it doesnt

make the signal turn green any faster but what it does

it extends the walk time for you to cross the street so the signal

wont go to yellow as fast  as if you didnt push the button

Answer 4

Those buttons at crosswalks help you cross the road safer without wasting too much time. But those at the intersections don't work at all(they're time pre-set).

Answer 5

I have seen success in MD with pushing the button.  I suspect that the "push to cross" button may be ignored during rush hour times for pedestrian safety purposes.