Mary Anderson

Invented the first practical windshield wiper, revolutionizing automotive safety in adverse weather conditions.

Mary Anderson (1866–1953) transformed transportation safety with her 1903 invention of the manual windshield wiper. Observing streetcar drivers struggling with snow and rain, Anderson designed a hand-operated rubber blade that could clear obstructions from windshields. Initially met with skepticism, her patent expired before the automotive industry recognized its value. By the 1920s, windshield wipers became standard in vehicles, drastically reducing accidents caused by poor visibility.

Anderson’s invention is now ubiquitous, with modern iterations featuring in millions of cars globally. Her foresight paved the way for automated systems and inspired later innovations like rain-sensing wipers. Despite receiving little financial reward, her contribution remains a cornerstone of automotive safety. Explore her story at the Automotive Hall of Fame.