As ubiquitous as traffic lights are, they’re a technology with a history that is surprisingly sparse and lacking in history. In 1869, the first red/green traffic light was installed, outfitted with gas lights that were manually turned on at the base. In 1912, there was an upgrade to electric, and in 1920, yellow was added to the mix. Which brings us to 2010, when we’re still using virtually the same system as we we did 90 years ago.

The Eko Traffic Light concept incorporates a simple design change that improves the traffic light technology by leaps and bounds. The change is this: instead of sitting in front of a static red light, this design tracks the progress of the light’s time. The perimeter of the light will illuminate, one block at a time, until the entire border of the light is lit up. When this happens, it’s time for the light to change to green.

Environmentally, the idea is brilliant. Drivers, knowing exactly how long they’ll have to wait for a green light, won’t feel compelled to keep their foot on the gas, ready to race away at any minute. Drivers can even turn off their engines and cut carbon emissions while waiting for the green light. Timing cycles can vary from about 45 to 120 seconds, so turning off the engine isn’t unrealistic.

For pedestrians: no more speed walking across the street, furtively looking left and right to be sure the light hasn’t already changed. Some crosswalks already have a “count-down” system of sorts, but outside of urban centers, crosswalks can become a bit of a free-for-all, and this system offers a welcome extra layer of safety.

Perhaps most relevant of all, the stress of red lights is eliminated by adding one key element: information.  Much like waiting at an elevator, the sense of unknowing when you’ll be on your way is a source of anxiety.

The beauty of this design lies in its simplicity. Traffic systems are an established and complicated world; making even small changes to the overwhelming amount of traffic signals (in NYC alone, there are 11,871) is a giant undertaking. Although any single change would rock the boat, Eko Light isn’t asking much, just a replacement of one light.