TRAFFICATORS Meaning and
Definition
-
Trafficators, also known as "semaphore signals," are mechanical devices that are installed on the side of a vehicle to indicate its intention to change direction. Generally found on older vehicles, especially those manufactured between the 1920s and 1950s, trafficators were prevalent before the widespread adoption of modern turn signal technology.
Trafficators typically consist of a metal arm or paddle that protrudes from the side of a vehicle when activated. The arm is mounted on a hinge or a telescopic pole to allow for easy extension outwards and subsequently retraction back into its enclosed position. When the driver intends to change direction, they activate a lever or switch inside the vehicle, causing the trafficator to extend outward from the side of the vehicle, perpendicular to its movement. The arm would then light up to indicate the intended direction, using small bulbs or reflectors.
These mechanical signaling devices played a crucial role in enhancing road safety by providing visual cues to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists about the driver's intentions. However, with the advancement of technology and the introduction of more efficient and standardized turn signals, trafficators became obsolete and have largely been replaced by flashing indicators incorporated into the rearview mirrors or vehicle body.
Today, the term "trafficator" is often used to refer to any type of signaling device used in vehicles to indicate turns, including both traditional mechanical ones and its modern electronic counterparts.
Common Misspellings for TRAFFICATORS
- rrafficators
- frafficators
- grafficators
- yrafficators
- 6rafficators
- 5rafficators
- teafficators
- tdafficators
- tfafficators
- ttafficators
- t5afficators
- t4afficators
- trzfficators
- trsfficators
- trwfficators
- trqfficators
- tradficators
- tracficators
- travficators
- tragficators
Etymology of TRAFFICATORS
The term "trafficators" is derived from the word "traffic" combined with the suffix "-ator". The term was originally used to refer to a specific type of automobile accessory that was utilized to indicate the direction a vehicle would turn or change lanes. These trafficators were popular in the early to mid-20th century before being replaced by more modern and standardized turn signals. The accessory earned its name due to its function of signaling traffic and guiding the movement of vehicles on the roads.
