Garrett Morgan: Innovator of Safety and Traffic Control

Garrett Morgan: Innovator of Safety and Traffic Control

​Garrett Morgan, an ingenious inventor and successful businessman from Cleveland, made significant contributions to public safety and traffic management in the early 20th century. His innovations, particularly in respiratory protection and traffic signals, saved lives and dramatically improved urban organization.

​The Evolution of the Safety Hood and Rescue Heroism

​One of Morgan’s early and most critical inventions was the Morgan safety hood and smoke protector, patented in 1914. This device, a precursor to the modern gas mask, offered wearers a way to breathe clean air in smoky or hazardous environments.

​Morgan’s invention gained national attention on July 25, 1916, following a disaster in an underground tunnel beneath Lake Erie. An explosion trapped 32 workers 250 feet below the surface, filling the passage with smoke and toxic fumes. Morgan and a team of courageous volunteers utilized the new “gas masks” to enter the tunnel and successfully rescue many of the trapped men. This heroic act led to widespread recognition, and his company received numerous requests for the safety hood from fire departments nationwide. The design was later refined and adopted for use by the U.S. Army during World War I, solidifying its place as a vital piece of protective equipment.

​Pioneering the Modern Traffic Signal

​Observing the increasing congestion and danger on city streets, Garrett Morgan turned his attention to traffic control. Following a serious collision he witnessed between a horse-drawn carriage and an automobile, he was inspired to design an improved system for regulating vehicle movement.

​While traffic signals were not an entirely new concept other inventors had experimented with and even patented earlier, less effective devices Morgan’s approach was groundbreaking. He was among the first to successfully apply for and obtain a U.S. patent for a universally accessible and cost-effective three-position traffic signal.

On this day in 1923, Morgan received a patent for his design. His invention introduced a crucial element often missing from earlier versions: a third, intermediate warning state (like today’s yellow light). This feature was essential for transitioning traffic flow safely, preventing the sudden stopping and confusion that characterized older, two-position systems. Morgan’s innovative, easily replicable design became a foundational model for the modern traffic control devices used globally, making roads safer for countless drivers and pedestrians.

​Legacy of Innovation

​Garrett Morgan’s career exemplifies the power of innovation driven by a desire for safety and efficiency. His contributions, from protecting soldiers and rescue workers to regulating the flow of millions of vehicles daily, have had a lasting, positive impact on society.