Streets have markings but cars weave dangerously and don't indicate

Other clips from the 1940s show the evolution of road safety in the city

Pedestrians risk their lives by crossing in front of speeding vehicles

L.A. is a city notorious for its terrible traffic. But archive footage shows that is nothing new.

The first video, from 1927, shows a more lawless time on L.A.'s roads. A time before the traffic signal, a time before proper road markings or even pedestrian crossings.

Instead, pedestrians are huddled together, seemingly stranded in the middle of the road as Model T fords whizz past on either side at an unrecognizable Bunker Hill.

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Archive footage from 1927 shows pedestrians huddled together, seemingly stranded in the middle of the road as Model T fords whizz past on either side at an unrecognizable Bunker Hill

The video hows a more lawless times on L.A.'s roads. A time before the traffic signal, a time before proper road markings or even pedestrian crossings

This terrifying scenario doesn't appear to daunt the group who patiently wait for the tram to arrive. Others perilously slip through the fast-moving traffic.

In another clip from KCET, dated from around the 1940s, L.A.'s roads appeared to have evolved.

Some of these improvements were thanks to Ralph Dorsey, the first traffic engineer for the City of Los Angeles, who had analyzed accidents during 1928 and advocated for traffic signals.

Within just a few months, the 'self serve' signals were installed near schools and became standard practice for pedestrian crossings.

This terrifying scenario doesn't appear to daunt the group who patiently wait for the tram to arrive

In another clip, dated from around the 1940s, L.A.'s roads appeared to have evolved.

The footage reveals there is now some order to the chaos as roads include clear markings - although that doesn't stop cars turning at will - with rarely a turn signal to warn other drivers

The footage reveals there is now some order to the chaos as roads include clear markings - although that doesn't stop cars turning at will - with rarely a turn signal to warn other drivers.

Others are seen weaving in and out of traffic and even swerving across two lanes to make a last minute turn.

Pedestrians cross mid-block in front of cars, hoping that they will slow in time.

The videos were shot to present to public agencies to highlight the dangers of driving around L.A.

A final piece of footage, from 1948, shows typically long lines of traffic along what is now known as the Interstate 110. The film might be 68 years old but the sight will be disappointingly familiar to any Los Angeles native who has to drive into the city on a daily basis.

A final piece of footage, from 1948, shows typically long lines of traffic along what is now known as the Interstate 110