In celebration of Black History Month, MVPC would like to recognize some of the many contributions made by African Americans to the region and the impacts they have had on our work in planning. One contribution that has undoubtedly had a significant impact on transportation planning, and has become a natural part of our motorized world is the invention of the three-position traffic signal by Garret Augustus Morgan.
Spurred by a desire to increase safety and decrease accidents, Mr. Morgan created this new three-position traffic signal to provide an interval between stop and go. These quickly replaced the manual two-position signals that did not allow for an adequate transition at intersections, resulting in many collisions. He received a patent for his invention in 1923.
For more information about Morgan’s life and accomplishments visit the U.S Department of Transportation.
Photo Courtesy of the U.S DOT