[bonoboTP]

The lights are turned towards the cars. Sometimes it's physically impossible for you to see them, because they are on the other sides of roads, not visible from the side where you are. Also, even if you see the light, it might change rapidly and then you don't have enough time to make it across.

In Hungary it's pretty simple: you're allowed to cross when the green man is visible. That's what that green man is supposed to signalize. That's its purpose. If it's red, you are not allowed to cross, because some other car traffic direction has priority.

Now of course you can cross in practice even if it's red for you, but it's illegal (rarely enforced).