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.
Why Drive-Ins Were More Than Movie Theaters
Drive-ins embodied the suburbanization of middle class families -- and created an entirely new way of watching the movies.
How Car Ads Started Selling Sizzle
In the 1920s car ads began changing. Specialists began to craft auto manufacturer's images solely to please their customers.
How the Women of Los Angeles Protected Their Rights to Drive
In the 1920s, women's love of driving in auto-obsessed Los Angeles created traffic jams and a battle over women’s rightful place.