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Did you know the lifesaving invention of windshield wipers was made by a woman named Mary Anderson?
Mary Anderson isn't a household name like Edison or Franklin, yet her contribution to everyday safety is far-reaching. Born in 1866 in Alabama, Anderson was a real estate developer and a cattle rancher before becoming an inventor. During a visit to New York City, in the winter of 1902, she noticed that tram drivers had to physically leave their positions to wipe snow or rain off their tram windows for better visibility. She found this both inefficient and hazardous. So, Anderson set about developing a solution. Subsequently, she invented a hand-operated device to keep a windshield clear and patented it in 1903 . The device, known as the “window cleaning device for electric cars and other vehicles to remove snow, ice or sleet from the window”, was a precursor to today’s modern windshield wipers. Despite her visionary invention, she struggled to sell the concept and the patent expired. However, with the advent of automobiles, her invention was soon seen as a necessity, gaining widespread use and even becoming mandatory by law in the USA, all without Mary receiving a cent. Mary Anderson may not have reaped the financial rewards, but her invention continues to save countless lives worldwide.

Tags: #InnovativeWomen #WindshieldWipers #SafetyFirst #UnsungHeroine #Inventor