Women Automotive Inventors-do you know of more?

Who invented the windshield wiper?

Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper, a patent was issued to her for this product that make 80% of your driving decisions. Did you know that?

While Mary was a passenger on a streetcar in New York, she noticed that the street car driver had to periodically stop and wipe the windows. On some occasions the driver would open the windows so that he/she could see where to drive. When these drivers were subject to inclement weather such as snowstorms, they would stop the vehicle to wipe the snow off of the windshield and windows. Then she realized that automobiles had the same problem.

So, she created a device for cleaning the windshield from inside of the car, a lever, that would swing an arm over the windshield to provide visibility to the driver. The first windshield wipers to be invented were rubber blades attached to an arm. A lever was also installed in the cars for movement of the wipers. The blades would swing across the windshield attached to a spring-loaded arm. The spring-loaded arm would cause the blades to swing across the windshield and then return to the original position.

Mary noticed this and invented the windshield wipers in 1903 and a patent was issued in 1905. By 1916, the windshield wipers were a standard feature on all American cars.

On those rainy days, we always find that the windshield wipers so important. Most drivers don't even think about their wiper blades. How would we manage without them on those stormy and rainy days?

Do you know of any other female automotive inventions?

Kids and Driving

I've talked to many friends in the last few months about what their kids should drive for a first car! I understand that money is always an issue, but don't forget that safety is equally important. Of course our kids are our most precious cargo! In light of this, some of the first-car choices I've heard certainly left me speechless. And yes, I know that is rare. :-)

As for choosing their first car; please do NOT choose a sports car (Mustang, Corvette, Viper, Firebird, 350Z or and RX8- ALL great cars but NOT for new drivers!), a tiny sub-compact (SMART car, Mini Cooper, Yaris- again all totally fun to drive but making quick decisions and reacting on the spot takes experience) a convertible (just not a wise choice) or an older car (65 Mustang, 78 Olds 88, 85 Monte Carlo, etc-- collectible cars are a passion of mine, but not for a first car, your teen needs safety features such as Anti-lock brakes, airbags and more). I also don't think SUV's (Excursions, Suburbans, Vans, etc) are great choices, they can tend to give teens a false sense of security. Once you rethink how many kids will be piled in the car and look at the statistics of teens in accidents, you may be looking for a mid-sized sedan or something similar, such as a Toyota Camry, Ford Taurus, or Chevrolet Impala.

In the end, it always comes down to money. Yes, I know the cost of gas is crazy and insurance is very pricey. What should we do??

Consider your new driver’s safety. Most parents give their teens their old vehicle in order to purchase a new car for themselves. Some people have just said NO to a separate “kid’s car” and let their teen borrow their car when they need it. Whatever you choose to do - consider safety, maintenance, insurance and that putting your teen in the safest, smartest choice won’t leave you worrying at night if they’ll make it home or to college without a problem.

The next step is to take your new driver to a professional driving school to learn about car control. There are great schools all over the country from Skip Barber's High Performance Driving School to club events. The money and time you spend now will be with your new driver forever. The more your teens learn and experience, the safer they will be on the roads and the less you’ll need to worry.

What do you think? Leave your comments!