Garrett Morgan (1877-1963) was an inventor who patented an early three position traffic signal. While not the first traffic signal, this device was the first to include a third signal (in addition to stop and go), a half mast warning to slow down which was a precursor to the later yellow light.
Morgan's other inventions included a safety hood to prevent smoke inhalation and multiple hair care products.
References[]
- In his poem naming notable African Americans in Sesame Street Episode 3578, Miles mentions "Garrett Morgan who invented the automatic traffic light."