Pedestrian habit we all do is actually necessary - sometimes

We finally know the truth, but not everyone is happy about it.

For a long time, rumours have swirled around what you’re really supposed to do when crossing the road.

When you come up to a crossing, do you really need to push the button, or is it all automated? Does it really matter if you push it once or five times?

Now, we know the truth - and people are pretty shocked.

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Image: iStock, Facebook.

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“It won’t make a difference!”

NSW Road Safety has taken to Facebook to debunk rumours around whether pushing the pedestrian crossing button really makes a difference to how quickly the light goes green.

And, it seems it depends where you are - and when.

If you’re in the Sydney CBD, you’re one of the lucky (or unlucky) ones who get automated pedestrian signals. This means it doesn’t matter how often you push the button - or if you push the button at all.

“In the Sydney CBD between 6am and 10pm, it won't make a difference as pedestrian signals are automated,” the post said.

But, outside of these hours and everywhere else in NSW, pushing it does make a difference - but only once.

“Outside these hours in the CBD and at all times everywhere else in NSW, pushing the button once alerts the traffic system to clear traffic and turn the signal green,” the post said.

“Pressing more than once won't speed this up - always look both ways and wait for the green signal before you cross!”

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“It’s what I’ve been saying for years!”

Many commenters said they were already familiar with this information (okay, elite button pressers!).

“It’s what I’ve been saying for years. If the lights changed every time someone wanted to cross the street there’d be absolute chaos with the traffic in the CBD. Well more than there usually is anyway,” said one commenter.

“I always laugh at people who stand there pushing the button thinking it will make it change,” another agreed.

“Oh well!”

The majority, however, said they had no idea - but will continue to press the button a hundred times anyway.

“Oh well…it makes me feel better when I do,” said one commenter.

“Nah, I press it just for good luck,” another added.

“But it gives more satisfaction to press more than once. Thanks for not any fine for that yet,” said a third.

Originally published as Pedestrian habit we all do is actually necessary - sometimes