Traffic laws began when cars gained popularity with the intention of reducing accidents. In America one of the first traffic regulations was the registration of vehicles. This began at beginning of the twentieth century. Other laws followed like license plates and drivers licenses.
By 1935 there were 39 states that issued licenses and fewer than that actually tested applicants. Prior to the 1930s most people learned how to drive from car salesmen, family, and friends. Soon, drivers ed was offered as part of the curriculum in high schools.
I found this pretty amusing video on the Voice of Safety:
I wonder what driving would be like back then, without a standard set of regulations. Some things it seems need to be decided on a standard consensus, such as the idea that at a 4 way stop the car who arrives first and to the right of you goes first. I would be interested in seeing a comparison of auto accident rates from before and after the institution of driving regulations.
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