The best ideas are often the simplest, and this theory is proved by the Eko Traffic Light. Just by looking at the image above you can probably tell what it does and how to read it.
Just in case you haven’t worked it out the “ecological & economic traffic light concept” informs drivers how much time is remaining before the red light turns to green, through the use of a simple clockwise countdown system. In theory, this allows motorists to anticipate the change of lights so they can move away with better fuel efficiency. Ideally, people could turn their engines off thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions.
Pretty cool, huh. Apparently so, as the judges from the Red Dot Design Awards gave the Eko a rubber stamp in their 2009 round of back patting.
As with most good plans, though, the theory doesn’t always marry with practice. Sadly, anticipation and even basic awareness are characteristics missing by many drivers. Then, well, there’s the obvious isn’t there. It must have been the elephant in the room at Eko HQ.
Was the Eko Traffic Light really designed by someone who cares about reducing emissions and stress. Or was it just designed by a hoon who likes to zoom away at traffic lights grands prix?
4 replies on “One, two, three, GO!”
thats a pretty cool, but theres a much simpler solution, i cant recall which countries its done in, but wherever it is i’ve seen the lights turn orange first before turning green to sort of say “hey wake up im about to go green”
they could implement it 2 moro, cost nothing and do essentially the same thing.
The UK has the red/orange/green light system and would be much better and cheaper than this system.
The only problem I can see with this is, it gives people the chance to go as soon as the light turns green but doesn’t allow for all the idiots still driving through the red in the other direction….
Lee, you make a point. I have noticed in Sydney more recently that the whole intersection is on red for 2 or 3 seconds to allow for the red light runners to cross the intersection.
i like this idea.. you can stage your car like when you’re at the drags for fully sic launches!