Knowing exactly when the light will turn red is great for pedestrians. The problem? Drivers can see those numbers, too.
As a pedestrian, the numeric countdown timers on crossing signals make life so much easier. No more are we doomed to grapple with the uncertainty of what exactly that orange "Don't Walk" hand means--is it "Don't Walk (The Light Is Turning Now)" or is it really saying "Don't Walk (Unless You Can Cross the Street in Less than 16 Seconds)"? You know when to walk briskly, and when you can take your time.