Garrett Augustus Morgan was an African American traffic engineer who invented the traffic signal. By the early 1920s there were enough cars to create chaos on the roads and put both drivers and pedestrians at risk. In 1923 Morgan received a patent for his new concept, a traffic signal to regulate the movement of cars in cities. He created GO and STOP signs that were attached to a pole (familiar idea?) and systematically raised and lowered at intersections.
His signals spread from America to England and Canada. Morgan’s invention brought order to traffic flow and safety to the traveling public. Eventually Morgan’s signal was replaced with the light signal we use today.
Garrett Augustus Morgan also invented the safety helmet and gas mask. His gold medals won for his contributions to public safety are not the only thanks he received. Miners, fire fighters, soldiers and many others who benefited from his inventions have praised him for his contributions to their safety and well being
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