The windshield wiper is a device used to remove rain, snow, dirt, and other debris from a windshield. It consists of a rubber blade attached to a metal arm, which is powered by a motor. The first windshield wiper was invented in 1903 by Mary Anderson, an Alabama native.
Before Anderson’s invention, drivers had to manually clean their windshields with a cloth or sponge. This was a dangerous and time-consuming task, especially in bad weather. Anderson’s windshield wiper was an immediate success, and it quickly became a standard feature on cars. It has since been improved upon, but the basic design remains the same.