I can't even imagine what people did at red lights before cellphones

I can't even imagine what people did at red lights before cellphones

Before the invention of cellphones, people had to find ways to occupy themselves while waiting at red lights. It's hard to imagine now, in a world where we are constantly connected and have a wealth of information at our fingertips, but there was a time when red lights were just a brief pause in our day, rather than an opportunity to check our emails or scroll through social media.

One common way people passed the time at red lights was by listening to the radio. Whether it was music, news, or talk shows, the radio provided a way to stay entertained and informed while waiting for the light to change. Some people even had cassette tapes or CDs that they would pop in and listen to during their commute.

Others might have used the time to catch up on reading. Some drivers kept books or magazines in their cars, so they could easily grab them and read a few pages while stopped at a red light. Of course, this was a bit more challenging for those driving manual cars, as they would have to balance holding the book and shifting gears at the same time.

Some people simply used the time to people-watch. They would observe their fellow drivers, pedestrians, and surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of the city around them. It was a way to stay present and engaged with the world, rather than being lost in a digital distraction.

Overall, the time spent at red lights before cellphones was a moment of pause and reflection in our busy lives. It was a chance to disconnect from the constant stream of information and technology, and simply be present in the moment. While cellphones have certainly made our lives more convenient and connected, there is something to be said for the simplicity and mindfulness of those moments spent waiting at red lights without the distraction of a phone.