You have 5 seconds before you are run over...4, 3, 2... You know how, when you're walking, and get to an intersection, and the walk signal is showing you that flashing hand, you don't know if you actually have plenty of time to cross, or if, when you get halfway out there the light will change, you'll have to do that dorky-looking walk-run thing the rest of the way, while pissing people off and fearing being gunned down by a taxicab? Well, it looks like the city of San Francisco is aiming to do something about that. This morning, when I got to Fourth and Mission, there was a new walk signal that, when it turned to the flashing hand, accompanied it with a countdown clock. Sorta like this (except the countdown is beside the flashing hand, which is much more pleasant). Here's an article about this type of light's use in St. Petersburg, Florida (where people walk slow) and other places.