Despite contributing to traffic rules, the man never learnt to drive.

A majority of people are aware of how the first car or motorcycle was made. However, have you ever wondered how traffic rules came into play? Who thought of the zebra crossing or traffic signals?

Meet William Phelps Eno, the American businessman whose ideas shaped road safety and traffic rules. Because of his contribution, he is known as the “Father of Traffic Safety”.

William Phelps Eno

William Phelps Eno was an American real estate businessman who was always interested in transportation.

Childhood memory

While automobiles were rare, Eno’s hometown, New York, had significant traffic jams because of horse carriages.

Left business

At 40, he left his business to create traffic plans.

Innovator

Stop signs, taxi stands, pedestrian safety islands and several other traffic plans are his brainchild.

Rules of the road

Eno's “Rules of the Road” was the first city traffic plan adopted by New York City in 1909.