Who invented the rear view mirror?

While the exact origins are debated, the invention of the rearview mirror is generally attributed to French inventor Ernest F. Clément in 1903. He patented a mirror design intended for automobiles. Prior to this, drivers often relied on turning around, or other less convenient methods, to see what was behind them. However, earlier forms of mirrors were used in carriages and other vehicles, but Clément's design is recognized as a significant milestone in the development of the rearview mirror for cars.