The Safety Of The Automobile In The Early 1900's

The safety of the driver and passengers was not a high priority upon the release of the American automobile in the early 1900’s. It did not take long for people to realize the driver of a high-speed metal projectile with inadequate equipment was not only a danger to himself, but to others as well. With the inadequacy of safety, the start of the American automobile evolution brought soaring rates of injuries and traffic deaths but today these statistics have changed dramatically.
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
or emphasis on safety. Meanwhile, fatally injured auto accidents quickly started to rise to an estimated 36 traffic deaths in the year of 1909, then quickly soared to over 12,000 by 1920. As a result, the National Safety Council, was founded in 1913 to help review the alarming safety issue.
During debates on auto safety, advocates recognized the three elements at the root cause of safety issues was, the driver, the automobile and the road conditions.
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
everyone.
Soon after the debates, the Federal government became involved with new road development. Roads were to be upgraded and provide a more consistent and reliable surface with no impediments. In 1916, Congress created the Federal Aid Highway program to help financially assist states for road enhancements, but soon afterward, the United States became involved in World War I, slowing down the progress.
During the 1920’s, roads again became a priority and two-lane paved highways emerged. Once again, progress became impeded by an era known as The Depression along with World War II. It would not be until 1956 that the acclaimed “Greatest Public Works Project in History” accelerated forward and created safe interstate highways for automobiles.
Safety organizations along with state and federal agencies established procedures to encourage drivers to drive vigilantly.
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
crashes.
Although with road improvements, safety laws, and better safety features in automobiles, accidents statistics continued to rise. In 1972, statistics had shown a fatality rate by automobiles, higher than casualties in the Vietnam War had. Ford and General Motors began to experiment with air bags. During President Carter’s administration, announced all new cars sold in America must have front air bags by the year 1984.