How Black Leaders and Innovators Shaped Transportation Safety

Safe, accessible streets are vital for creating opportunity and equity. Over the past century, Black leaders and innovators have led critical efforts to transform transportation systems to protect and uplift their communities. Their contributions paved the way for safer roads, improved infrastructure, and modern traffic safety solutions that protect communities today. 

As we celebrate Black History Month: African American Labor, let’s explore three powerful stories that highlight how transportation safety and equity are deeply intertwined. 

The Civil Rights Movement’s Fight for Safe Transportation 

Rosa Parks and the Freedom Riders are widely known for their fight against segregation, but their advocacy also spotlighted the dangers of inequitable transportation.

Public transit in the 1950s and 60s was riddled with risks—overcrowding, unsafe conditions, and lack of protection for Black riders. By challenging this system, these activists sought not only dignity and fairness but also safer, more reliable transit for all communities. 

Their actions laid the groundwork for modern traffic safety initiatives. Without these early victories, the progress made in traffic calming measures—like speed control in high-risk areas—would have faced greater barriers.

Today’s emphasis on pedestrian protection and safe streets owes much to the movement for transportation equity that leaders like Parks and the Freedom Riders championed. 

The Traffic Signal Pioneer 

Imagine roads without the yellow light—an invention we now take for granted. In 1923, Garrett Morgan, a Black inventor, witnessed a serious car accident and was inspired to design a better traffic control system. His solution was the three-way traffic signal, featuring a warning light—today’s familiar yellow light— to give drivers time to prepare for stops. 

Morgan’s design was revolutionary, reducing the risk of crashes and saving countless lives. Recognizing its potential, he patented the invention and later sold the rights to General Electric for $40,000—a remarkable sum at the time! His traffic signal design became a global standard, shaping road safety over the last century. 

Morgan’s contributions laid the foundation for today’s traffic management systems. His work paved the way for technologies like radar speed signs, which are critical in slowing drivers, reducing collisions, and making streets safer for all. His legacy is a testament to the power of innovation to protect and serve entire communities. 

🔗 Read more about Garrett Morgan’s contributions here. 

Black Leaders Advocating for Safer Streets 

In large cities like Detroit and Atlanta, Black leaders have been at the forefront of transportation reform, advocating for policies that prioritize traffic safety, access, and opportunity. Historically, car-centric infrastructure investments left many underserved communities behind, making it harder for residents to safely reach essential services like jobs, schools, and healthcare. 

These leaders recognized that transportation equity was key to economic opportunity and growth. Their efforts pushed for initiatives to reduce speeding, improve infrastructure, and enhance safety in high-traffic areas. As a result, communities gained safer routes to critical resources, helping neighborhoods thrive and become more connected. 

🔗 Explore transportation justice initiatives through NACTO. 

Transportation safety isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a matter of justice and opportunity. By recognizing the contributions of Black leaders, we reaffirm our commitment to building safer, stronger, and more connected communities for generations to come. 

The work of Black leaders and innovators in transportation safety continues to inspire and guide modern infrastructure development. Their contributions remind us that safe streets are not just a convenience—they are a pathway to opportunity, access, and community well-being.