Why Stops Signs Are Octagon Shaped

Lori Dorn
June 15, 2024

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Four-time Jeopardy winner Alex Schmidt explained the origin of stop signs in the United States and why they are octagonal in shape. The logic behind this incredibly distinctive shape came from the Mississippi Valley Highway Association in 1922, which determined the more sides a shape had, the greater level of danger it invoked. And it caught on, not only in the US but around the world.

stop signs are octagon shaped because of a hilarious logical leap by Americans

Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.