The only time I would ever keep a close eye on a traffic light is if it was leaning and I thought it might fall on me. Otherwise, I keep my eyes on the things that WILL kill me, and cross the street when those things are not around REGARDLESS of what the silly traffic light is doing.

The single most dangerous thing any road user can do is to see a GREEN light and assume it is safe to proceed through an intersection without LOOKING for the things that will kill them. I just go one step further and don't stare at the lights. I just go when it is safe.

For the life of me I can not figure out how this technique is so difficult for some people to grasp. Look both ways, cross when nothing is coming. It's EASY!

At least when I am crossing against a red light I know what the crossing traffic is going to be doing. When I cross on a green, I really have no clue. I know what they are SUPPOSED to be doing sure. But I ain't-a-goin' thru a green light until I LOOK BOTH WAYS same as if I were running a red.