10 Legendary Automotive Inventions That Changed Driving Forever

7. Cruise Control

If you’re a road trip fan, cruise control is your co-pilot for the long haul. First developed as “Auto-Pilot” by Chrysler in the late 1950s, it quickly evolved into the steady-speed system nearly every driver expects today. Tap a button on the highway and your car holds the speed—no leg cramps, no creeping over the limit, no constant pedal adjustments. Cruise control isn’t just about relaxing your right foot—it’s about making hours behind the wheel less draining, and helping drivers stay focused, especially when boredom (or fatigue) could lead to mistakes. In the era of adaptive smart cruise systems, the basics still matter: steady speeds bring welcome breaks during cross-country adventures and make even the daily commute that much easier. Whether you’re tackling thousands of interstate miles or just smoothing out a familiar route, this invention is the difference between a slog and a cruise.

8. Rearview Camera

Backing out of a tight space or wrangling a crowded driveway used to be pure stress—rearview cameras have changed that experience for good. Since 2018, every new car sold in the U.S. must include one, and the impact is clear: the NHTSA links them to a 17% drop in “back-over” accidents. A small camera above your license plate sends a live feed to a dashboard screen, often adding guidelines, warnings, or trajectory info as you steer. That real-time view isn’t just a tech party trick—it means a safer world for kids, pets, and neighbors outside the car, and a lot less neck craning for those inside. Whether you park in a rush or simply dread tight garage walls, the confidence from seeing everything behind you in high-res makes every day smoother and safer. This is modern peace of mind, right in your backup plan.