Rearview Mirror: From Racing Innovation to Modern Safety Feature

The rearview mirror, a crucial safety feature in modern vehicles, has an interesting history. Its origins trace back to the 1911 Indianapolis 500 race.

Ray Harroun, a race car driver, is credited with the invention. He installed a shaving mirror in his Marmon Wasp race car. This allowed him to see behind his vehicle without needing a co-driver. This innovation gave him a competitive edge and improved his rear visibility.

The success of the rearview mirror in racing quickly led to its adoption in commercial vehicles. Over time, the design of rearview mirrors has evolved. They now include features like manual and electric adjustments, and anti-glare capabilities.

Initially, only a central mirror was used. Later, side mirrors were added to provide a wider field of view. Today, traditional mirrors are often combined with modern technologies like rear cameras and parking sensors, enhancing safety and convenience even further.