The Sorry History of Car Design for Women
A landscape architect of the 1950s predicted that lady drivers would want pastel-colored pavement on the interstate.
Road Density Threatens Turtle Populations
Roadkill may be inevitable, but turtles are especially vulnerable—particularly females, putting species survival at risk.
When Ambulances Were Hearses
The federal government pushed the improvement of emergency services from several directions in the 60s and 70s.
The End of the Country Road
When "good roads" first became a political issue, rural people were decidedly not the ones advocating for them.
What Made the Pinto Such a Controversial Car
The Pinto became known as the subcompact car that Ford sold while ignoring major safety defects. But was that just a false narrative?
The Science of Traffic
Traffic congestion has been a problem in the United States ever since the 1930s, and since that time, scientists have been studying on the problem.
A Crash Course in the Demolition Derby
The demolition derby was ready-made for the age of planned obsolescence from automobile manufacturers, who happily sponsored demolition derby venues.
How To Recycle Half A Million Flooded Cars
Although a car seems like a long-term capital investment, it is only a crash or disaster away from becoming two tons of mass-consumer junk.
“Jay Walking” and the Fight for the Streets
Debates over the priorities of cars, public transit and "jay walking" are nothing new. There has long been a story class buried within the disagreements.
The Birth of Planned Obsolescence
Before WWII, American businesses began embracing “creative waste”—the idea that throwing things away and buying new ones could fuel a strong economy.