First Turn Signal Invented By Female Movie Star

It’s true! The very first turn signal was invented by the actress Florence Lawrence. She was a very successful actress who was able to afford a car, which she loved. She even compared her vehicle to a human being, saying it was just like a person to her.

She called it an “auto-signaling” arm and it was attached to the rear bumper. Through a couple of push buttons installed on the dash board, the arm would be moved side to side to indicate either a right or left turn, based upon the button selected. However, Florence didn’t apply for a patent and her initial version of the turn signal never caught on.

For decades, motorists would use their arm, like someone on a bicycle to signal their turning intentions. It wasn’t until 1929, when Oscar J. Simler invented a device that not only showed the intended turn of a driver, but also lit up a red light when the brakes were deployed!

If your turn signal isn’t working, or you have a turn signal or brake light out, come in and see us! If you live in Essex, Burlington, South Burlington, Colchester, Winooski, Williston, Shelburne and anywhere in the State of Vermont be sure to contact Handy’s Service Center for all your auto repair needs!