A group of teens is standing on the corner of Belair Drive and Annapolis Road at 7:10 a.m. waiting for the traffic signal to change. They need the signals controlling traffic traveling east and west on Annapolis Road to turn red so they can cross the street and go to school.

Ready, set, go! The light changes and the pedestrian crosswalk signal says it's safe to go - for five seconds. Now the pedestrian signal flashes don't walk for another 31 seconds and then the traffic flows again on Annapolis Road. (Note: The pedestrian crosswalk signal only works if someone pushes the button. It does not automatically operate when the...