Traffic control, Washington DC, 1913

As soon as cars hit the streets, minor accidents, or “fender-benders,” became frequent. It was evident that rules were essential to avoid collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or buildings. To tackle this issue, drivers started using signals to navigate intersections safely.  Before the era of electric traffic lights, the primary solution was manual signals, as shown in the photograph above. A traffic control operator was responsible for manually switching the sign from “stop” to “go,” ensuring order on the roads.

Traffic controller - Ho Chi Minh City, 2015

We weren't that far behind the first English lights, which went up in Leeds, W Yorks on 16th March 1928. Please note there were a few instances of temporary lights, but theses were the first permanent ones.

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Traffic Control