Final answer:
Garrett Morgan invented the three-position traffic signal in 1923, which included a yellow light to improve road safety. Before its installation, excessive speeding and traffic accidents at intersections posed significant risks, particularly to pedestrians. The evolution of traffic control has been crucial in managing vehicle flow and enhancing pedestrian safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person who invented the three-position traffic signal in 1923 that includes the yellow light was Garrett Morgan. Morgan's invention was crucial as it added a "warning" phase between the "Stop" and "Go" signals, providing a significant safety feature to the traffic signal. The importance of traffic signals can be illustrated by the fact that they heavily influence road safety. For instance, before traffic signals were installed at certain intersections, vehicles would often speed through without regard to the speed limit, causing a safety hazard for pedestrians, especially in areas close to campuses where students were present.
Consequently, a notable rise in traffic accidents occurred, with some accidents resulting in fatalities. This led to the realization of the critical need for traffic signals, which not only regulated vehicle speed but also provided safety for pedestrians, allowing them to cross intersections at appropriate times. The installation of traffic signals is further justified when considering the dramatic increase in traffic due to new businesses and changes in traffic routes, such as the influx from a nearby football stadium.