The Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Car
Automobiles have revolutionized the way we live, travel, work and play. They have opened up the world, allowing people to choose where they want to live in relation to their careers and social circles. Having the ability to travel long distances has created new jobs, industries and even changed how we look at life. There are many advantages to owning a car, however there are some disadvantages as well.
Historically, the automobile has been an American invention. When it was first introduced, the United States possessed vast undeveloped territory and a sparsely populated hinterland, creating an unprecedented demand for motor vehicles that could transport people to and from remote locations. Cheap raw materials and a tradition of mass production encouraged the development of automobiles at a much lower price than in Europe.
The emergence of the auto industry in America was marked by rapid growth and consolidation. During the first decade of the twentieth century, manufacturers such as Ford greatly outpaced their competitors in reconciling state-of-the-art design with moderate price. The Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal called the 1901-1906 four-cylinder, three-horsepower, tiller-steered, curved-dash Oldsmobile “the very first instance of a low-cost motorcar driven by a gas engine having cylinders.”
In contrast to the slow pace of auto development in the United States, Germany and Japan rapidly increased their lead in automotive technology and production. In the 1920s, women seized the opportunity afforded by the automobile to promote causes such as equal pay and the right to vote. They were often seen driving around with banners that said, “Votes for Women,” or giving speeches from the back seat of their automobiles.
Aside from the political and social impact of automobiles, they have also allowed for faster and more efficient transportation of people and goods. The automobile has allowed people to take vacations to far-away places and also visit friends and family that were previously impractical without a vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for the construction, maintenance and preservation of America’s roadways. The agency is also responsible for keeping the public safe by regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles. The agency is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has more than 21,000 employees nationwide. The agency’s website contains information about driver licenses, registrations, inspections, vehicle maintenance, air pollution and other vehicle safety topics. The site is available in multiple languages. The agency also provides statistics about crashes, fatalities and injuries. The website also contains an interactive map that displays data about crashes and fatalities by county. The map is updated daily. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also provides a mobile app that can be downloaded to a smartphone or tablet. This app is helpful in planning trips and navigating the nation’s roadways. The app can also be used to report dangerous driving behavior. The app is available in both English and Spanish. This is a great resource for travelers in the United States and abroad.