In some countries the walkways meant very little to drivers. With that the Lantern changed to green, the road evokes the starting line in a Grand Prix, regardless of whether some pedestrians crossing the road yet.

In Peru applies this phenomenon (reminds you of something;), but they have designed some pedestrian traffic lights that clearly show that you still got ten seconds or less, to save your life. Notice how the Green homunculus accelerates as the countdown nears zero.