In 1868, the world saw the installation of the very first traffic lights outside the Houses of Parliament in London. These early traffic lights were not the familiar red, yellow, and green signals that we see today. Instead, they featured only two colors: red and green. The purpose of these lights was to control the flow of horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians at a busy intersection. Unfortunately, the first traffic lights did not last long. Just a month after they were installed, a gas leak caused one of the lights to explode, injuring the police officer who was operating them. This incident led to the removal of the traffic lights, and for many years after, traffic control at intersections was done by hand by police officers. Despite this setback, the concept of using traffic lights to regulate the flow of vehicles and pedestrians caught on. In the early 20th century, cities around the world began installing electric traffic lights, which were much safer and more reliable than their gas-powered predecessors. Today, traffic lights are a ubiquitous sight on roads and highways everywhere. They have become an essential part of modern transportation infrastructure, helping to prevent accidents and keep traffic moving smoothly. The familiar red, yellow, and green signals are instantly recognizable to drivers and pedestrians alike, and have become a universal symbol of traffic control. In addition to regulating traffic flow, traffic lights also play an important role in promoting road safety. By clearly indicating when it is safe to proceed and when it is necessary to stop, traffic lights help to reduce the risk of accidents and keep pedestrians and drivers safe. Overall, the story of the first traffic lights outside the Houses of Parliament in 1868 is a fascinating glimpse into the history of transportation and urban planning. While those early lights may have been short-lived, their legacy lives on in the form of the traffic lights that we see and rely on every day.

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