Language
Country/Area
No result found
Did you know how a Hollywood star invented the modern turn signal in 1914?
In the early days of automobiles, the functions of lighting and signaling devices were relatively simple, primarily to illuminate the road and improve driving visibility. However, it was thanks to some innovations in the early 1900s that we have modern turn signals today, and the story is closely connected to a Hollywood star of the time.
Early road traffic relied mainly on fuel lamps, which in some ways limited the development of automobiles. For example, the Ford Model T did not have all the electrical lighting features when it was first introduced, and that was not until several years later.
In 1914, silent film star Florence Lawrence made a major contribution to automobile signaling equipment. She introduced an innovative signal arm design, a mechanical device that flipped up to indicate a turn when the driver needed to change lanes, which is considered the predecessor of the modern turn signal. Although she was not patented and received no credit or profit from her invention, the changes she brought about forever influenced the evolution of traffic signal devices.
In the early 1920s, automobile headlights and taillights became common. By 1915, the design of the taillights and brake lights had been further developed, and in 1919 the concept of low and high beams was further refined. These innovations are used in more and more new cars, providing drivers with a safer driving experience.
With the advancement of technology, new lighting technologies such as airtight lamps and halogen lamps have been introduced, which have greatly improved the performance of automobile lighting. Especially in the 1960s, halogen lamps made vehicle lighting more efficient and long-lasting.
It is worth mentioning that the color standardization of automobile lights has also received attention with the evolution of traffic regulations. The color of lights was first stipulated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and was further clarified in the 1968 United Nations Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Under these standards, taillights must be red, turn signals next to them must be amber, and headlights must be white or optionally yellow.
To further illustrate, vehicle lights are not only for safety reasons, but also to improve visibility and conspicuity. From early carbine lights to later LED taillights and high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, the development of these technologies has greatly improved the visibility of cars in different conditions. However, there are still differences in light color specifications between different countries, which to some extent reflects different regional regulations and practices for traffic safety.
Headlights are also designed to be low beam and high beam. The former is designed to avoid glare to oncoming vehicles, while the latter is suitable for use when driving alone. In terms of specifications, many countries have unified these designs, but the specific light source technology still varies.
Today, with the development of autonomous driving technology, the function of vehicle lighting has been marginally enhanced. For example, vehicle side lights, fog lights and even high beams, these additional lighting devices make driving safer. However, many drivers are still confused about the legality and usage scenarios of these lights, especially the unclear scenarios in which fog lights are usually used. Traffic management departments in many countries have set strict regulations in this regard.
More interestingly, the evolution of turn signals has led to many different designs and functions, including designs that can be automatically canceled, and driver assistance systems that are now available on many vehicles, such as when the driver's steering wheel deviates to one side. When the vehicle moves to the opposite side, the corresponding signal light will be turned on automatically. These advances all reflect the deep connection between technological development and driving safety.
Today's lighting design is not just a lighting tool, but has become a part of traffic safety, vehicle styling and design, in line with current aesthetic trends.
This piece of automotive lighting history, due not only to technological advancements but also to the innovative spirit of an early actress, makes us think: what would the driving experience be like today without such changes in our modern transportation? What does it look like?
