Why were traffic lights invented?

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Because, as roads got busier with automobiles, the number of accidents at intersections increased and the number of policemen required to direct traffic at each junction became economically unviable.

An automated system - first gas-powered and consisting of an arm with "stop" on it dropping down later changed to electric and later still to multi-color lights - saved money in wages, cut the number of accidents and allowed for the steady increase in cars.

First answer by Redvers. Last edit by Redvers. Contributor trust: 148 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 10 [recommend question]

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