Who invented rear view mirror

Back to all articles. As early asa European car called the Argus featured dash mirrors. Dorothy Levitt, author of a famous book called The Woman and who invented rear view mirror Car: A Chatty Little Handbook for All Women Who Motor or Want to Motorrecommended that women carry a handheld mirror while driving so that they could hold it up to view the road behind them.

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. This feature was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and Dodge. Vox Media editorial staff was not involved in the creation or production of this content. Early auto racing was a rough-riding sport. Even today, part of its thrill is the risk of horrible accidents. Of course, Ray Harroun was full of surprises.

Who invented rear view mirror

Have you ever contemplated the inception of the rear view mirror and the period when this brilliant notion was first conceived? The narrative originates in the early s, an era distinguished by rapid innovation within the burgeoning automobile industry. Assigning this invention to a solitary individual is challenging, yet numerous embryonic forms of rear view mirrors began to surface. Levitt, a pioneer in the automotive industry, frequently employed a hand-held mirror during her journeys, allowing her to observe vehicles behind her. This innovative personal use of mirrors might not have officially crowned her as the inventor of the rear view mirror, but it certainly laid the foundation for its later development. Her legacy is not merely in her motoring achievements but in her contribution to enhancing driver visibility and safety, aspects that are integral to the design and function of all modern vehicles. In the inaugural Indianapolis , a race now etched in the annals of motorsports, Harroun ingeniously equipped his racecar, the Marmon Wasp, with what is often considered the first widely distributed rearview mirror. This addition marked a significant deviation from traditional racing norms, effectively eliminating the need for a spotter and setting a new safety precedent. The mirror, more than a mere accessory, evolved into a vital component for situational awareness on the racetrack. As an American inventor of considerable renown, Berger obtained the first patent for this now ubiquitous device. His visionary foresight laid the foundation for what would become a universal safety standard in vehicles, a testament to American ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of automotive safety advancements. From its humble beginnings envisioned by pioneers like Levitt and Harroun, the rear view mirror has undergone extensive evolution. Initially a luxury, it transformed into an essential safety feature, a testament to the ever-evolving automotive safety standards. The journey from simple reflective glass to high-tech safety equipment is an interesting story of innovation and adaptation.

This feature was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and Dodge.

A rear-view mirror or rearview mirror is a, usually flat , mirror in automobiles and other vehicles, designed to allow the driver to see rearward through the vehicle's rear window rear windshield. In cars, the rear-view mirror is usually affixed to the top of the windshield on a double- swivel mount allowing it to be adjusted to suit the height and viewing angle of any driver and to swing harmlessly out of the way if impacted by a vehicle occupant in a collision. The rear-view mirror is augmented by one or more side-view mirrors , which serve as the only rear-vision mirrors on trucks , motorcycles and bicycles. Early use of fixed mirrors was described as early as , with a trade magazine noting mirrors for showing what is coming behind were now popular on closed bodied automobiles, and were likely to be widely adopted in a short time. Henri Cain from France patented a " Warning mirror for automobiles ". Elmer Berger is usually credited with inventing the rear-view mirror, though in fact he was the first to patent it and develop it for incorporation into production street going automobiles by his Berger and Company.

The humble rear-view mirror is a small yet indispensable part of our everyday lives, quietly safeguarding us as we navigate the labyrinth of roads and highways. But have you ever wondered about its fascinating history? This unassuming device has a captivating tale to tell, one that spans over a century and is filled with innovation, unexpected inventors, and leaps in automotive safety. From its inception as a simple reflective glass to the high-tech, auto-dimming wonders of today, the rear-view mirror has come a long way. Buckle up as we embark on a reflective journey to uncover the history of the rear-view mirror, an invention that has made driving not just a convenience, but a safer adventure.

Who invented rear view mirror

A rear-view mirror or rearview mirror is a, usually flat , mirror in automobiles and other vehicles, designed to allow the driver to see rearward through the vehicle's rear window rear windshield. In cars, the rear-view mirror is usually affixed to the top of the windshield on a double- swivel mount allowing it to be adjusted to suit the height and viewing angle of any driver and to swing harmlessly out of the way if impacted by a vehicle occupant in a collision. The rear-view mirror is augmented by one or more side-view mirrors , which serve as the only rear-vision mirrors on trucks , motorcycles and bicycles. Early use of fixed mirrors was described as early as , with a trade magazine noting mirrors for showing what is coming behind were now popular on closed bodied automobiles, and were likely to be widely adopted in a short time. Henri Cain from France patented a " Warning mirror for automobiles ". Elmer Berger is usually credited with inventing the rear-view mirror, though in fact he was the first to patent it and develop it for incorporation into production street going automobiles by his Berger and Company. Recently, rear-view video cameras have been built into many new model cars, this was partially in response to the rear-view mirrors' inability to show the road directly behind the car, due to the rear deck or trunk obscuring as much as 3—5 meters 10—15 feet of road behind the car. As many as 50 small children are killed by SUVs every year in the USA because the driver cannot see them in their rear-view mirrors. Aftermarket secondary rear-view mirrors are available.

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Wikimedia Commons. Early use of fixed mirrors was described as early as , with a trade magazine noting mirrors for showing what is coming behind were now popular on closed bodied automobiles, and were likely to be widely adopted in a short time. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. This evolution reflects a significant advancement in automotive design, emphasizing the importance of rearward visibility in ensuring safe driving practices. Part of a series of articles on cars. Top 10 Car Mirror Manufacturers to Watch in On trucks and buses, the load often blocks rearward vision out the backlight. Audio Automobile auxiliary power outlet Cup holder Car Phone. Street-legal motorcycles are generally required to have rear-view mirrors. This journey from a rudimentary idea to a pivotal safety feature in modern vehicles showcases the power of innovation and adaptation in automotive history.

The improvement of the automobile is a history fraught with ingenuity which would gradually culminate in better models.

Rear-view mirrors can also be attached to the rider's motorcycle helmet. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Find Out! Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. His yellow car could have just as easily been called the Odd Duck. Subscribe to the FREE daily email that makes learning about history fun. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Having won the debut championship and cemented both his name, his car, and his MacGuyvered rearview into the history books, Harroun retired, not eager to press his luck. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Known as "The Little Professor," Harroun was a part-time racer who held a day job at a car factory. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. Modern versions have useful features like multi-way adjustability, anti-glare coatings, and specialized signals that can alert drivers if another car is in their blind spot. Assigning this invention to a solitary individual is challenging, yet numerous embryonic forms of rear view mirrors began to surface.