What year did turn signals come out?
Turn signals, those blinking lights on our vehicles that indicate a change in direction, have become an integral part of modern driving. But have you ever wondered when this essential safety feature was first introduced? Let's dive into the history of turn signals and explore the year they made their debut.
The Origins of Turn Signals
The concept of turn signals, or "direction indicators" as they were initially called, emerged in the early 20th century as automobiles became more widespread. The first known patent for a turn signal system was filed in 1907 by a man named Edgar A. Walz Jr. However, it wasn't until the 1920s that turn signals started to gain traction and become more commonly used in vehicles.
The Adoption of Turn Signals
While the idea of turn signals had been around for a while, it took some time for them to become a standard feature in automobiles. The first cars to come equipped with turn signals were the 1938 Buick models. This was a significant milestone, as it marked the beginning of turn signals becoming a more widespread and accepted safety feature in the automotive industry.
The Standardization of Turn Signals
As turn signals gained popularity, there was a need to standardize their use and placement on vehicles. In 1948, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) published the first standard for turn signal systems, which helped establish guidelines for their design and implementation. This standardization process continued over the years, with various regulations and laws being introduced to ensure the consistent and effective use of turn signals.
The Importance of Turn Signals Today
Today, turn signals are a mandatory feature on all vehicles sold in the United States and many other countries around the world. They are considered an essential safety tool, helping to reduce the risk of accidents by clearly communicating a driver's intentions to other road users. The use of turn signals is also often required by law, and failure to use them can result in fines and other penalties.
In conclusion, the history of turn signals dates back to the early 20th century, with the first known patent filed in 1907. However, it wasn't until the late 1930s that turn signals became a standard feature in automobiles, and the 1940s saw the standardization of their design and implementation. Today, turn signals are a ubiquitous and vital safety feature in the world of driving.
What was the first car with indicators?
Buick
Buick was the first automaker to add this new technology to its cars in 1939. For the first time in history, cars had turn signals that flashed, which also added a new layer of safety.
When did turn signals become mandatory?
1967
The modern flashing turn signal was patented in 1938, and shortly after, most major automobile manufacturers offered this optional feature before it became mandatory in 1967. As of 2013, most countries require turn signals on all new vehicles that are driven on public roadways.
Is it legal to drive without turn signals?
Blinkers and Hand Signals
Western states also mandate using a turn signal before changing lanes. Some states, such as California and Idaho, require drivers to signal five seconds before switching lanes to give anyone in traffic around you time to react.
Did pre-1960 cars have turn signals?
Various ideas had been put forth or patented starting in 1909, but the turn signal as we know it today wasn't introduced until 1939 by Buick. Even then, turn signals were considered an add-on option for cars, and they didn't become standard in vehicles until the 1960s.
What was the first car to have sequential turn signals?
Ford Thunderbird
1960s: Ford Thunderbird Features Sequential Turn Signal
This new technology would later be installed on other 1960s vehicles including the Mercury Cougar and the 1968 Shelby GT Mustang. The sequential turn signals wouldn't become factory standard on the icon Mustang until 2010.
What year were traffic signals invented?
The first system of traffic signals, which was a semaphore traffic signal, was installed as a way to replace police officer control of vehicular traffic outside the Houses of Parliament in London on 9 December 1868.
What was the first car with directional lights?
There we go: The 1939 Buick is accepted as the car where “the turn signal as we know it today” was born.
What was the first American car with a digital dash?
The first application of an electronic instrument cluster, in a production automobile, was in the 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda. The first American manufacturer application was the 1978 Cadillac Seville with available Cadillac Trip Computer.
Who invented signal lights for cars?
Garrett Morgan
In 1923, Garrett Morgan patented an electric automatic traffic signal. Morgan was the first African-American to own a car in Cleveland. He also invented the gas mask. Morgan's design used a T-shaped pole unit with three positions.
Did 1950s cars have radios?
In 1953, Becker introduced the AM/FM Becker Mexico with a Variometer tuner, basically a station-search or scan function. In April 1955, the Chrysler Corporation announced that it was offering a Mopar model 914HR branded Philco all-transistor car radio, as a $150 option for its 1956 Chrysler and Imperial car models.
