1914day.year
In Cleveland, Ohio, the first electric traffic light is installed.
In 1914, Cleveland installs the world's first electric traffic light, revolutionizing urban traffic control.
On August 5, 1914, Cleveland, Ohio, activated the world's first electric traffic signal at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street.
Developed by police officer Lester Wire, the two-color system alternated between red and green lights to manage vehicle flow.
The invention aimed to reduce traffic accidents and alleviate the growing congestion of motor vehicles.
This pioneering device replaced hand-operated semaphore signals and set the standard for modern traffic control.
Subsequent improvements added yellow lights and automated timing, shaping the evolution of urban infrastructure.
Today, traffic signals are integral to road safety, a legacy that traces back to this simple electric device.
Cleveland, Ohio
traffic light