OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaGarrett Morgan was a very clever inventor who wanted to keep people safe! He invented a better traffic signal and a safety hood for firefighters. We still use his bright ideas every single day!
Garrett noticed that traffic signals only said “stop” and “go,” which caused a lot of crashes. He invented a new signal with a warning light in the middle so drivers knew it was time to slow down! He also invented a special safety hood that helped firefighters breathe clean air when they went into smoky buildings. His inventions saved many lives and made our cities much safer.
- Garrett Morgan’s traffic signal idea led to the three-color traffic lights we use today!
- He once used his safety hood to rescue workers trapped in a tunnel under Lake Erie.
- Garrett also invented a hair straightening cream that became very popular!
