There are certain words we use so often that we never stop to question them. Zebra crossing is one of them.

Every day, millions of people walk across those bold white stripes without wondering why a road marking is named after an African animal. It’s such a common phrase that it feels completely natural. But once someone asks, “Why zebra?” the answer isn’t nearly as obvious.

The story goes back to a time when roads looked very different from today, and one simple design ended up becoming an international symbol of pedestrian safety.

Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)