In 1908, Henry Ford presented the American public an inexpensive and efficient automobile called the Model T. Soon after the growth of the automobile, serious safety issues developed into concerns. Automobile manufacturers were producing cars with little concern …show more content…
It was further determined that when these elements are working together, they could have significant impact on reducing collisions. Alongside automakers, federal and local government agencies and other safety organizations agreed with the findings and began making changes. However, neither of the organizations would accept responsibility as to the cause of injuries or deaths due to the lingering liability issues. “If you don’t get into an accident you don’t have to worry about getting killed,” said Alex Haynes, an Executive Engineer for Vehicle Safety at Ford (Wetmore, 381). Many organizations continued to develop and push the three known elements to make driving a safer experience for …show more content…
These procedures were known as “The Rules of the Road.” Safety studies aided in the development of regulations and defined the driver’s responsibilities. Afterwards, drivers were educated on speed limits, right of way, and signage and received a license to drive. Insurance companies played a role in safety by encouraging drivers with lower rates to safer drivers.
To help enforce these new regulations, local governments relied upon the newly instituted group called police officers. Police officers enforced, educated and disciplined drivers to recognize the responsibility of safe driving.
Automobile manufacturers began to introduce better safety. In 1922, the first safety device introduced was the four-wheel hydraulic brake system. Soon after, safety glass became a standard in automobiles. Claire Straight, a plastic surgeon, along with Dr. C.J. Strickland, recommended padded dashboards and seatbelts to augment the safety of the automobile (Dubbo Daily Liberal).
By 1930, automakers began to pay significant consideration to safety. A significant part of safety in the history of the automobile was the beginning of car safety tests. General Motors executed the first barrier test crash in 1934. By the 1950’s, crash test dummies were developed to produce simulated results from auto