Tired of waiting at traffic lights? Well, its inevitable, isn't it? Perhaps it would help if you knew how long you had to wait at the light. Designer designed this traffic light that would let you know exactly how long you had to wait or exactly how long you have to scoot through! Although I'm not sure that this design would work for colorblind drivers, it sure would be cool to know how much longer I had to apply mascara before I had to pay attention to the road again. Yanko features two other alternatives to traditional traffic lights and signs that are pretty darn cool as well.
Link via My Modern Met
Also the function of the sand glass could just as easily be achieved with a countdown time, something that a lot of stoplights have.
Guess the designer worried more about looks than functionality.
*in the Netherlands some traffic lights do have a countdown timer, mostly for pedestrians. (to avoid jaywalking).