The turn signal, a seemingly simple device we take for granted every day, has saved countless lives and prevented innumerable accidents since its introduction. This small flashing light has become an essential communication tool on our roads, but have you ever wondered who first thought of this ingenious innovation?
The Birth of the Turn Signal
The turn signal’s history takes us back to the early days of automotive development. While most people assume it was created alongside the first automobiles, the story is actually more fascinating. The first turn signal wasn’t electrical at all – it was manual! Early motorists would extend their arm out the window to indicate their intention to turn, a practice that became formalized in driving codes by the 1910s.
But as you might imagine, signaling with your arm during rain, snow, or freezing temperatures wasn’t ideal. This problem sparked the innovation we now know as the modern turn signal.
Oscar J. Simler: The Forgotten Innovator
In 1907, a man named Oscar J. Simler patented what many consider the first electrical turn signal system. His design featured lights at the front and rear of vehicles that could be activated by the driver to indicate turning intentions. However, like many early innovations, Simler’s invention didn’t immediately catch on with manufacturers.
Florence Lawrence: The Actress Who Changed Driving
Perhaps one of the most surprising figures in turn signal history is Florence Lawrence. Not only was she one of the first movie stars in America, but she also created an early version of the turn signal in 1914. Her design featured an arm that would rise from the rear fender at the push of a button. When raised, it would indicate the driver’s intention to turn. While not electrical, her innovation was a significant step forward.
The Modern Turn Signal Takes Shape
By the 1930s, the Buick automobile company became the first to offer factory-installed turn signals, and by 2025, we’ll be celebrating nearly a century of this standardized safety feature. The modern system we use today, with its familiar clicking sound and dashboard indicator, evolved through incremental improvements by various engineers and automotive companies.
Edgar Walz Jr.: The Patent Holder
In 1925, Edgar Walz Jr. patented the first modern electrical turn signal system. His design incorporated many of the features we recognize today, including the automatic shut-off mechanism that deactivates the signal after completing a turn.
From Luxury to Necessity
What began as a luxury feature eventually became standard equipment as road safety gained importance. By the 1950s, most vehicles came equipped with turn signals, and today, it’s impossible to imagine driving without them.
The next time you flick that lever to signal a lane change or turn, remember that this simple action connects you to over a century of automotive innovation – all aimed at making our roads safer through better communication between drivers.
