We drive past them every day, we follow them or get fined, yet do we really know when they first came into being? Yes, we are talking about traffic lights and traffic signs - everybody learns which one means what when they take their driving lessons at age 16 (or around that age), but very few know about their history. A quick recap of what the signs and lights mean, also, never hurt anybody!
History of traffic lights
The first traffic light was set up outside the British House of Parliament in London in 1868 - of course it wasn't electric, it was gas-lit. It wasn't automatic either; it was manually manipulated by a traffic police officer. However, it exploded within a short period of time due to leakage, and the idea was abandoned until the arrival of electric traffic signals, which were first set up in the US.
The first electric traffic signal was put up in 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio. From there the traffic signal has evolved greatly - the first entirely computerized traffic system was introduced in Toronto while the countdown timers on the signals were attached during the 90s.
Quick recap on traffic lights
There are three basic colors in the traffic signal: red, which indicates stop, green which indicates go, and yellow which indicates that the light will be soon changing from yellow to red soon. A flashing yellow light indicates a warning while a flashing red light is considered a stop sign. Apart from standard uses traffic lights are also used in flashing mode during the day (in some areas but not too many) when the traffic is light but mostly during the night.
History of traffic signs
This traffic control system has a longer history than the traffic signal - it was used in days as far back as the Roman times, when tall marble columns were erected to indicate the remaining distance to Rome. After the emergence of cities in the Middle Ages, multi-directional signs were used to provide directions to towns and cities.
The first modern signs, however, were put up much later in the early 1880s. Now, after a plenitude of gradual changes, from wood and stone signs to modern metal plate signs, traffic signs have come a long way. To overcome language barriers many countries, since the 30s, have adopted pictorial traffic signs, that will easily convey the message to all drivers.
Some important traffic signs that we see all the time
These are some of the traffic signs we are used to following every day: no left turn, no parking, stop, no u-turn, hill ahead, two way traffic, and so forth.
Comparison between traffic signs and traffic signals
Whereas traffic lights only tell you whether to stop or go, traffic signals provide more detailed information regarding the road lying ahead. For example, if there is a rail crossing, a hospital, or a school ahead there could be a sign letting you know about this. Of course, traffic lights are extremely important when it comes to busy crossings and the main roads within the city or community. But when you are on roads that are less traveled on, traffic signs hold a monopoly on direction and information giving here.
Both traffic signals and signs follow a universal international protocol, thus removing language barriers, working with colors, signs, shapes, and symbols. It is safe to say that controlling the amount of traffic that is prevalent at the present time, will be impossible without any of these two systems. Signs and signals work in unison to ensure safety to both drivers and pedestrians and to pad our quality of life.
Categories:
Social