"A New York Second" by Brenda B., Florida Have you ever heard of a New York split second? It's the time it takes when the traffic light turns green till the car behind you honks. Well...I was taking a taxi ride in Manhattan and we had to stop for a red light. We were first in line, no cars ahead of us...but that did not stop the driver from honking when the light turned green. I couldn't help but laugh.