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Cars and TransportationGermany

Women who changed driving forever

Joseph Wright
October 22, 2025

Most people think cars were shaped by men. But many of the features keeping you safe and comfortable behind the wheel today were actually invented by women.

https://p.dw.com/p/52Pcd

Many car features we take for granted today were invented by pioneering women. Margaret Wilcox created the first car heater in 1893. Dr. June McCarroll introduced lane markings in 1917. Bertha Benz proved the viability of long-distance driving in 1888. Florence Lawrence invented turn signals in 1909, and Dorothy Levitt promoted rearview mirrors before they became standard. These innovations made driving safer and more comfortable.