Automobiles are large, intelligent machines that transport us from place to place. The science behind the automobile goes back several hundred years. The internal combustion engine, sparked by gunpowder, was invented by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens. By the end of the nineteenth century, the horseless carriage had evolved into its modern form. Earlier versions of automobiles used steam engines, which had high speed, but limited range, and were difficult to start. Electric cars were also introduced in the early 20th century, but their range was limited and they were hard to find charging stations.
Seat belts reduce the probability of serious injury in a crash
In car accidents, wearing a seat belt significantly reduces the likelihood of serious injury. Studies have shown that wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of serious injury by up to 60 percent. In addition, seat belts increase the likelihood of survival. They also reduce the risk of ejection from the vehicle.
A seat belt helps distribute force from a collision across a person’s strongest bones. However, it is important to wear the belt correctly. If a seat belt is not worn correctly, it can cause force to be directed to sensitive areas, such as the armpit. One study found that a woman who was not wearing her seat belt at the time of impact was able to survive the crash and suffer multiple injuries.
Regulations on the manufacture of automobiles can only reduce injuries
While NHTSA can enforce recalls on vehicles, it is limited in its legislative power, leaving it up to the states to enforce their own safety standards. This limits its ability to bring lawsuits against manufacturers for design defects in automobiles. In the case of Freightliner Corp. v. Myrick, a common-law design defect lawsuit, the defendants argued that an express pre-emption clause in the 1966 Act precluded the lawsuit.
Cars were expensive until Henry Ford introduced the assembly line in 1913
The assembly line was an innovation that transformed car manufacturing, making cars affordable for the average person. Before the assembly line, cars were hand-built carriages. The process of assembly, utilizing standardized parts, boosted efficiency and cut costs. This innovation spread throughout many industries, including the automotive industry.
Ford began by developing machines that could stamp individual parts. These machines were connected to a moving assembly line, where workers could perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Henry Ford wanted to sell more cars for less money, which would allow more people to buy a car. This innovation was a revolution in the automotive industry and changed how people commute and live.
Cars are large, smart devices
Smart devices are becoming more common in automobiles. From unlocking car doors to projecting messages on a car screen, smart devices are becoming an essential part of the automotive experience. Currently, automobiles are mostly unconnected, and smart devices will help bring connectivity to cars that have never been connected before.
Smart devices are also helping automobiles make smart decisions. For example, they can stream podcasts while traveling, drop off passengers and even find parking lots. You can even summon a car using your smartphone.
They can do more than just drive and park
The automotive industry has been busy developing the latest technologies for cars, which make them much more than just driving and parking. New features include advanced emergency braking systems, mapping technology for autonomous driving, and more. In addition, these vehicles are much more fuel-efficient and can even provide transportation services.