Traffic Safety

The most important single traffic safety device, the painting of lines down the center of roads was devised by Michigan, Wayne County Road Commissioner Edward Hines in 1911 after he saw the dotted drippings from a leaking milk wagon and struck on the concept.

He ordered his road commission to begin center striping all danger spots, curves and bridges were first, and the immediate reduction of accidents was impressive. He then ordered the striping of all roads in Wayne County. When the rest of the state and the nation saw the results, they began center lining their roads as well. Incidentally, he was also responsible for the first mile of concrete roadway. It was in the City of Detroit, Michigan.