Mary Anderson

Mary Anderson

Anyone who’s ever driven in a rain or snow storm can attest to the dire importance of windshield wipers. What a lot of people don’t know is that windshield wipers were invented by a woman. Inventor Mary Anderson received a patent for her car-window cleaning device in 1903.

Anderson’s invention came about during a trip to New York City when the Alabama-born inventor noticed that streetcar drivers had to open the windows of their cars when it rained in order to see. As a solution, Anderson invented a swinging arm device with a rubber blade that was operated by the driver from within the vehicle using a lever. Many people were initially leery of Anderson’s windshield wiper invention, thinking it would distract drivers, but by 1916 windshield wipers were standard on most vehicles.

Also, another woman inventor, Charlotte Bridgwood, first patented the automatic windshield wiper in 1917 (“Storm Windshield Cleaner”).

Students in Automotive Technology in the Consumer Services, Information and Transportation Academy learn how to strategically diagnose problems and repair the automobile. Automotive technicians must become highly skilled and technically oriented to repair the complex systems which make up the latest automobile unit. Students in this field are taught to operate state-of-the-art equipment available in today’s modern repair facilities. Students also complete courses in Brakes, Electrical / Electronics, Suspension and Steering, Engine Repair, Heating and Air Conditioning, and Engine Repair.