A Comprehensive Guide to When Turn Signals Became Mandatory on Cars
The humble turn signal has become an indispensable part of vehicular safety in the modern era. Yet, it wasn't always this way. Let's delve into the fascinating journey of when turn signals became mandatory on cars and their evolution.
The Early Days of Turn Signals
Turn signals were first added to automobiles in the early 20th century, thanks to the visionary efforts of a Canadian-American actress and inventor named Florence Lawrence. In 1914, she patented an early mechanical signaling device called the 'auto signaling arm,' a flag-like apparatus that mounted on the rear of the car. This pioneering invention allowed drivers to indicate turns by raising or lowering the device.
Evolution of Turn Signals
While Florence Lawrence's invention was a step in the right direction, it didn't gain much traction due to its limited functionality and complexity. It wasn't until the 1920s that advanced electrical turn signals began to emerge.
Earliest Electrical Turn Signals (1925)
The Cleveland-based company The Signal-Stat Corporation introduced an early version of the electrical turn signal in 1925. This system used hand signals to activate mechanical arms on the sides of the car. This marked a significant improvement over the earlier manual systems but was still far from what we see today.
Modern Electrical Turn Signal System (1930s - 1940s)
It was in the 1930s that the modern electrical turn signal system as we know it today began to take shape. These systems used lights instead of mechanical arms and became a standard feature in automobiles during the 1930s and 1940s, drastically improving road safety and reducing accidents.
Legal Requirements and Mandatory Installation
The journey from invention to mandatory installation in cars was a long and winding one. While turn signals were introduced in the 1920s, it wasn't until the 1930s that they started to become a standard feature in vehicles.
UK and Mandatory Usage (1932 - 1935)
Notably, in the UK, flashing indicators became a legally approved fitment in 1932 and mandatory from 1935. This legislation ensured that all new vehicles sold in the UK were equipped with turn signals, marking a significant milestone in automotive safety standards.
United States (U.S.)
In the United States, the timeline shows a different pattern. In 1928, Buick introduced flashing indicators as an optional extra, setting a trend for other manufacturers. However, it wasn't until 1968 that turn signals became legally mandatory in the USA. This difference in timelines highlights the varying legislative processes across different countries.
Conclusion and Historical Context
The evolution of turn signals from a manual mechanism to a standardized and mandatory feature in vehicles is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve road safety. The journey from 1914 with Florence Lawrence's auto signaling arm to the modern turn signal system is a captivating story of innovation, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of safety on our roads.