a) Mary Anderson

Mary Anderson, an American inventor, enhanced driver safety by inventing windshield wipers in 1902. Anderson’s invention came about after witnessing streetcar drivers struggle to see through snow or rain. She developed a hand-operated device to clear the windshield, improving visibility for drivers. Her invention was initially met with skepticism but eventually became standard equipment on vehicles. Anderson’s windshield wipers significantly improved driving safety, especially in adverse weather conditions, and are a staple in automotive design.