Back in the early 1900s—specifically around 1904—windshields made their debut in automobiles. These early windshields, crafted from simple glass, were installed in front of both the driver and passenger, often as single panes or foldable panels. Not long after, glass began to find its way into other parts of the car, including headlights and even speedometers. (Why speedometers were necessary at the time is anyone’s guess!)
In 1915, Oldsmobile made automotive history by introducing standard windshields across its lineup. This innovation, however, came with serious drawbacks. The glass used wasn’t shatterproof, and in the event of an accident, it could splinter dangerously—sometimes leading to injuries or even fatalities as drivers strained to see through them.
Thankfully, progress followed. Windshields made of tempered glass were introduced, sealed with rubber or neoprene linings for added security. Unlike their fragile predecessors, these improved windshields would break into small, less harmful pieces when shattered—greatly enhancing passenger safety.
This slice of automotive history comes from a fascinating article titled “Timeline History of the Auto Glass Industry,” featured on Histowiki.com.
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The answer to the Friday's Trivia Question : Oldsmobile 1915
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