The automobile was the enemy of the streetcar. Not only did the tin lizzies and their relatives take away business, but their proliferation on the roads added to operating difficulties. They choked the city streets where, once, streetcars could move freely, and rural road crossings became a major hazard. Interurban cars could no longer make time with little risk of crossing accidents and, drivers being what they were and are, the primary onus fell on the railways to improve safety.

Picture 1 shows how Lake Shore Electric Ry responded to the danger of an accident when their line crossed Ohio Route 2. In addition to the standard cross buck, they installed gates and two separate arrangements of flashing red lights. But apparently, they didn’t believe even that was enough to attract motorists’ attention. They added an overhead sign. Hey, auto driver, wake up! You’re coming to a railway crossing!! Picture 2 shows a carload of crossing warning signs on their way to being installed. I guess the interurbans’ experience had taught them not to rely on motorists’ good sense.