This ‘Hollywood actress’ invented the ‘indicator’ of cars! Learn about this interesting history of the indicator

An ‘indicator’ is a very important tool to warn other drivers when making a turn on the road or changing lanes. It is an essential part of every small and big vehicle today. But did you know that the concept of this very important safety device was developed not by a scientist or an engineer, but by Hollywood’s first silent film star actress?

History and Invention of Indicators

When cars started running on the roads in the early 20th century, it was customary to show hands when turning. This used to cause major accidents at night. A Hollywood actress found an answer to this problem Florence Lawrence by

In 1914, he made a machine called ‘Auto Signaling Arm’. Two small flags were mounted on the rear bumper of the car. When the driver pressed a button near the seat, the left or right side flag would be raised, letting the vehicle behind know where the car was about to turn.

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The biggest patent mistake

As brilliant as Florence Lawrence was in the world of art, she was clueless when it came to business and law. He did not patent his revolutionary device. As a result, they received no credit or financial benefit for the discovery. Then, in 1925, Edgar A. Walz Jr. took out the official patent for the modern flashing light indicator.

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The indifference and publicity gained by car companies

Initially, Edgar tried to sell this indicator to major car companies, but the companies showed no interest. His patent expired after fourteen years. Finally, in 1939, the famous American car company ‘Buick’ started to offer factory-fitted flashing indicators in their cars for the first time. After this, this discovery became famous all over the world. After World War II, it became mandatory for almost all car companies to provide indicators.

This simple invention by Florence Lawrence is saving millions of lives today and is an integral part of the automobile industry. So, the next time you turn on your car’s indicator, be sure to remember ‘that’ legendary silent film actress!