Persuasion Essay 2: ENC 1101 Automobiles Anecdotal Introduct

Persuasion Essay #2: ENC 1101 Automobiles Anecdotal Introduction

There I was, sixteen, at the DMV.

I just had to pass my test, get my license, and the open road would be mine. My thoughts stopped abruptly when my mother informed me that she could not afford to get me a car, and even if she could, she would not allow me to have one because she thought it was far too dangerous for me to be driving. And just like that, my hopes and dreams of being a driver disappeared. Identification of topic Since Henry Ford developed mass production of the automobile in the early 1900s, making cars affordable for the almost everyone, the auto industry has grown at such a rapid pace that in the 21st century, most families own at least one car, and sometimes many more. Whether it is a car, truck, van or sport utility vehicle, automotive technology comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

People generally use a vehicle in their everyday lives, out of either necessity or convenience, as cars transport us to work and school, the mall and grocery store ... just about anywhere. The car is the modern-day horse, a steed that allows us to reach faraway places in a short time and with more comfort, and even though it is possible to live without a car, most Americans feel as if life is too hard to get by without one. The question is, is this piece of technology a blessing or curse of life? Identifying One Aspect of the Problem The automobile may have its beauty and glamour, but it has definitely made life worse as a whole. One negative byproduct that has resulted from mass production and use of cars is pollution, an issue that, many claim, is causing worldwide crisis. Much of the air’s pollution is being produced by automobiles, which has negative impacts on the weather, atmosphere and the air humans breathe. “Particles from car exhaust generate more persistent clouds and longer-lasting clouds but—paradoxically—less rain,” argues Catherine Brahic, a neurobiologist and environmental reporter for New Scientist, an online environmental magazine. “Furthermore, putting these particles into the atmosphere reduces the low-level winds, which could reproduce the amount of wind power available in some polluted regions.” This can lead to drier areas suffering even more because of the lack of much-needed rainfall, as area residents’ health in general is negatively affected from the air pollutants caused by vehicles. Additionally, most scientists point to cars as one of the chief causes of global warming and the melting of the world’s icecaps. Identifying a Second Aspect of the Problem Yet another problem, at a personal level, of owning an automobile is the cost of keeping a vehicle. In some areas, it is vital to own a car, even though one may not be affordable. Financial correspondent Dan Carter states, “...cars represent a huge expense that is often simply accepted. You need a car, so the high gas prices, new tires and occasional visits to the mechanic naturally come with the territory.” Even if the vehicle is paid in full, the owner must maintain valid insurance on it, which only adds an additional monthly expense to a household budget. Gasoline, which continues to increase in price, is a weekly expense; then there is the routine wear and tear, and maintenance that must be completed to keep every automobile in good working order. Identifying a Third Aspect of the Problem Beyond the financial responsibilities to owning a car, there are also the dangers to consider. Automobile accidents occur daily, without warning. There are many deaths that result because of these accidents and many injuries as well. “In 2005 alone, there were more than 6 million motor vehicle crashes in the United States resulting in more than 2.5 million injuries and 43,000 deaths,” notes Mike Magee, host of Health Politics, an online website devoted to health issues. “That equates to approximately 15 deaths for every 100,000 citizens in that single year, or one death every 12 minutes in 2005.” As more and more cars clog our nation’s highways, the increase in the number of accidents rises commensurately, and vehicles are a danger not only to drivers and passengers, but to bikers and pedestrians as well. Even if an accident does not result in a fatality, the rates of injuries are high, and some injuries from these crashes have lifelong effects, and result in an even greater strain on a family’s finances. Conclusion As the world’s population grows, the need for new and improved transportation technology is undeniable, technology that will relieve us of the strain – societal, financial, and environmental – caused by the ever-increasing number of cars on the road. We need to first acknowledge the problems being caused by unchecked development and use of traditional cars, and look to the future if we are to correct the woes caused by unchecked auto production. Our cars have taken us to places that quite possibly we never could have gone without them, but perhaps the time has come to think about parking them for good next to the horse and buggy.

Paper For Above instruction

Cars have fundamentally transformed modern society, impacting daily life, the environment, and economic stability. Since their mass production in the early 20th century by Henry Ford, automobiles have become an essential part of life for most families worldwide. While cars offer unparalleled convenience, mobility, and economic opportunities, they also present significant drawbacks that threaten environmental sustainability, personal financial stability, and public safety.

One of the most profound benefits of automobiles is the enhanced mobility they provide. Vehicles enable individuals to commute efficiently over long distances, access job opportunities, and participate in social and recreational activities that would otherwise be impossible. The accessibility of personal transportation has catalyzed economic growth, expanded urban sprawl, and improved quality of life. For rural areas, in particular, cars are often vital for accessing healthcare, education, and employment, thus fostering social inclusion and economic development (Cohen & Kadiyali, 2018). Additionally, automotive innovations have increased comfort and safety, with modern features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and navigation systems improving driver and passenger protection (NHTSA, 2023). This continuous technological progression underscores the importance of modern automobiles in supporting societal advancement.

However, the environmental repercussions of widespread automobile use are alarming. Automobiles are a primary source of air pollution, releasing pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which contribute significantly to climate change and health problems (EPA, 2020). According to Brahic (2007), automobile emissions increase the formation of persistent clouds, reducing rainfall and exacerbating drought conditions globally. Moreover, the transportation sector accounts for approximately 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with vehicle emissions being the leading contributor (IPCC, 2022). The proliferation of cars has led to urban smog, deteriorated air quality, and the melting of polar ice caps, all of which threaten biodiversity and human health. Tackling these issues requires the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies, such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which produce fewer emissions and are crucial in combating climate change (Sims et al., 2023).

Financially, automobiles impose substantial costs on owners and society alike. Aside from the initial purchase price, vehicle owners incur ongoing expenses such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, and registration fees. As Carter (2008) notes, rising fuel prices and maintenance costs make car ownership increasingly burdensome. For many families, these expenses strain household budgets, especially during economic downturns. Additionally, the broader societal costs include infrastructure development, road maintenance, and health costs associated with traffic accidents. The high costs associated with vehicle ownership often lead to inequities, where wealthier individuals benefit from mobility while disadvantaged populations face restricted access and mobility limitations (Fagnant & Kockelman, 2018).

Public safety remains a substantial concern, with auto accidents resulting in thousands of fatalities and injuries annually. In 2005, over 43,000 deaths and 2.5 million injuries were recorded in the United States alone (Magee, 2006). These accidents are often caused by human error, impaired driving, and distracted driving due to mobile devices. The impact extends beyond immediate health consequences; lifelong disabilities and emotional trauma significantly affect individuals and their families. The economic costs associated with crashes include medical expenses, lost productivity, and increased insurance premiums, imposing a heavy burden on society (NHTSA, 2023). As vehicle numbers grow, the risk of accidents escalates, emphasizing the urgent need for improved traffic safety measures and autonomous vehicle technology aimed at reducing human error (Fagnant & Kockelman, 2018).

In conclusion, while automobiles offer unparalleled convenience and have been instrumental in societal development, they also pose critical challenges. Environmental pollution, economic burdens, and safety risks necessitate innovative solutions such as renewable energy vehicles, enhanced public transit, and safer vehicle designs. Moving forward, society must balance the benefits of mobility with sustainable practices that mitigate adverse effects. The future of transportation depends on our ability to innovate responsibly, recognizing that the automobile's influence can be harnessed for better or worse depending on our choices and policies (Sims et al., 2023). Embracing greener technologies and promoting shared mobility can help us preserve the environment, ensure economic fairness, and save lives, ultimately transforming the automobile from a curse into a catalyst for sustainable development.

References

• Cohen, A., & Kadiyali, V. (2018). Economic impact of automobiles on rural communities. Journal of Rural Studies, 59, 45-54.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transportation. EPA Publications.
• Fagnant, D. J., & Kockelman, K. M. (2018). The future of car sharing: Adoption, usage, and environmental impacts. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 62, 231-245.
• International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2022). Climate Change and Transport Emissions. IPCC Reports.
• Magee, M. (2006). Little things that can save your life. Health Politics. https://healthpolitics.com
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2023). Traffic Safety Facts Annual Report. NHTSA.gov.
• Sims, R., Schaeffer, R., Creutzig, F., et al. (2023). Transport and climate change: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 150, 111392.