Automobiles and Motorcycles
Automobiles, also called motor cars, are the most common form of transportation in modern society. They are built for transporting passengers and goods. Unlike bicycles, they typically have four wheels, a steering wheel, and a seat for each occupant. These vehicles are also usually powered by gasoline or diesel.
The automobile has become an important part of the American landscape since the early twentieth century. It is a complex technical system with thousands of components. The design of the vehicle depends on the intended use. For example, if the vehicle is being used for off-road purposes, the car will have to be durable and resistant to severe overloads. If it is being used for limited access road systems, it will need to be optimized for high-speed handling.
In the United States, the automobile industry began to decline in the early 1980s. Auto companies began losing market share to Japanese auto manufacturers. However, by the 1990s, the U.S. auto industry regained ground.
Many people argue that the best way to reduce auto injuries is to require automakers to design safer vehicles. But auto safety experts believe that strict manufacturing standards are not enough. Instead, they say that drivers and passengers need to be more aware of their own behaviors, as well as the safety of the vehicles.
One of the greatest threats to the health and safety of auto passengers is driver error. This is because they put themselves and their passengers at risk. Fortunately, some of the regulations regarding the manufacture of automobiles have been designed to help decrease accidents.
Seat belts are one of the most important safety standards for motor vehicles. The chance of being seriously injured or killed by an accident is reduced by about 64 percent when a seat belt is worn. Other safety standards include the strength of the windshield, door, and head restraints.
As a result, a lot of effort was invested into safety legislation in the 1970s. Automakers and consumer safety advocates pushed for federal regulation of the safety of automobiles. During this period, more than 50 different safety standards were imposed on vehicle manufacturers.
Among these are head restraints, brakes, and seat belts. Air bags are also required for front-seat occupants. Since air bags are so effective in reducing the risk of injuries, they are considered the most significant safety standard.
Another key issue for motor vehicle safety is the amount of air pollution caused by automobiles. To limit these emissions, the European Union and California imposed stricter limits on hydrocarbons and nitric oxides. By 2010, new motorcycles in the United States had to emit less than 5.0 grams of hydrocarbons and nitric oxides per kilometers.
Automobiles were first developed in the late nineteenth century in Germany. Afterwards, they were perfected in France in the early 1900s. A number of improvements were made to the drivetrain, body, and chassis. Some of these innovations included the introduction of industrial materials and innovative aerodynamics.