Who Invented the Stop Sign?

William Phelps Eno invented the stop sign, which was first installed in Detroit, Michigan, in the year 1915. In spite of never driving an automobile, Eno became the "Father of Traffic Safety."

History

A Yale graduate, William Phelps Eno wrote an article in which he laid out a set of traffic rules and regulations. His proposal became recognized following the first traffic accident in 1895.

Significance

The stop sign was devised in an effort to reduce horse-and-buggy accidents in populated areas.

Organization

William Phelps Eno founded the Eno Transportation Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization that works to promote transportation safety in the air and water and on land.

Other Ideas

In addition to the stop sign, William Phelps Eno developed the idea for one-way streets, taxi stands and pedestrian safety islands.

Other Accomplishments

William Phelps Eno was beneficial during both world wars, as he was called on to prepare military traffic codes.

Fun Fact

Other than the Coca-Cola logo, Eno's stop sign is the most universally recognized symbol.