Car Safety Circa 1865 UK

red_flag etchIf you think going 40 on a road is slow take a look at these original traffic safety rules! The Red Flag Act was the popular name for the Locomotive Act of 1865, in the UK which put severe restrictions on the steam carriages then being developed.

They were limited to 4 mph (6.4kph) in the country and 2 mph in towns, and they had to be preceded by someone on foot, at least 60 yards (55m) ahead, carrying a red flag.  See etching to the right.