For Women’s History Month, it’s time to shine a spotlight on a few vehicle advancements that were created by women and changed the auto industry for the better. Each of these innovations laid the foundation for the safe vehicles we operate today:
Car Heaters
Car Heaters
Margaret Wilcox created the first car heater in 1893, based on a design that used the heat from the engine and released hot air into the vehicle’s interior.
Margaret Wilcox created the first car heater in 1893, based on a design that used the heat from the engine and released hot air into the vehicle’s interior.
Margaret Wilcox created the first car heater in 1893, based on a design that used the heat from the engine and released hot air into the vehicle’s interior.
Windshield Wipers
Windshield Wipers
In 1902, Mary Anderson designed a manual lever to operate wipers without having to get out of a car after she watched streetcar drivers stop and clean their windshields, which created traffic jams.
In 1902, Mary Anderson designed a manual lever to operate wipers without having to get out of a car after she watched streetcar drivers stop and clean their windshields, which created traffic jams.
In 1902, Mary Anderson designed a manual lever to operate wipers without having to get out of a car after she watched streetcar drivers stop and clean their windshields, which created traffic jams.
Turn Signals And Brake Signals
Turn Signals And Brake Signals
Florence Lawrence is considered to be the creator of the turn signal and brake signal. In 1914, she created a button inside the vehicle that operated a mechanical signaling arm to let other drivers know where the car was headed. She also designed a device that operated a “STOP” sign at the back of the car when the brake pedal was pressed; prior to this, arm signals were used to communicate with other drivers.
Florence Lawrence is considered to be the creator of the turn signal and brake signal. In 1914, she created a button inside the vehicle that operated a mechanical signaling arm to let other drivers know where the car was headed. She also designed a device that operated a “STOP” sign at the back of the car when the brake pedal was pressed; prior to this, arm signals were used to communicate with other drivers.
Florence Lawrence is considered to be the creator of the turn signal and brake signal. In 1914, she created a button inside the vehicle that operated a mechanical signaling arm to let other drivers know where the car was headed. She also designed a device that operated a “STOP” sign at the back of the car when the brake pedal was pressed; prior to this, arm signals were used to communicate with other drivers.
Anti-Glare
Non-reflective Glass
Katharine Blodgett worked for General Electric and in 1938 invented a coating to reduce glare from glass, making it “invisible.”
Katharine Blodgett worked for General Electric and in 1938 invented a coating to reduce glare from glass, making it “invisible.”
Katharine Blodgett worked for General Electric and in 1938 invented a coating to reduce glare from glass, making it “invisible.”
Thanks to these women — and countless others — our vehicles are safer for drivers, passengers, and all those on the road.
Jan Cronkhite says,
Right on women!!! Good job … and … thank you for your efforts!!!