What year did turn signals come out?
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, an auto service and repair shop with decades of experience, I've witnessed the remarkable evolution of automotive technology over the years. One of the most significant advancements in car safety and convenience is the turn signal, a feature that has become an integral part of modern vehicles. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating history of turn signals and when they first made their debut.
The Early Days of Turn Signals
The concept of turn signals, or "directional signals" as they were once called, can be traced back to the early 20th century. 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 began to appear on production vehicles.
One of the earliest known cars to feature turn signals was the 1925 Buick, which had a set of manually operated turn signal levers mounted on the dashboard. These early turn signals were quite basic, requiring the driver to physically move the lever in the direction they wanted to turn.
The Widespread Adoption of Turn Signals
As the automotive industry continued to evolve, turn signals became more sophisticated and widely adopted. In the 1930s, several manufacturers began offering turn signals as optional equipment on their vehicles. By the 1940s, turn signals had become a standard feature on most new cars.
The introduction of the self-canceling turn signal, which automatically returns the signal to the off position after a turn is completed, was a significant advancement in the 1950s. This feature made turn signals more user-friendly and helped to prevent drivers from forgetting to turn them off.
The Modern Turn Signal
Today, turn signals are a ubiquitous feature on all vehicles, and their design and functionality have continued to evolve. Modern turn signals often incorporate LED technology for improved visibility, and some even feature integrated turn signal indicators in the side mirrors or on the dashboard.
The importance of turn signals in modern driving cannot be overstated. They not only enhance safety by clearly communicating a driver's intentions to other motorists, but they also play a crucial role in maintaining order and reducing the risk of accidents on our roads. As we look to the future, it's exciting to imagine how turn signals might continue to evolve and improve the driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
