Scanned By CamScanner Ibrahim Alshamma

Scanned by CamScanner Scanned by CamScanner Ibrahim Alshammari English: writing 10/29/15 Should people use technology in transportation?

People have been using various forms of transportation throughout history, from animals to sophisticated machines. Historically, animals like camels were essential for travel and carrying goods, especially in regions such as the Middle East, where they helped people move and transported household materials, like houses made from camel hair and sheep (Lambert, n.d.). Over time, technological advancements have revolutionized transportation, allowing humans to explore space, reach the moon, and explore the universe. These advances have significantly impacted human lifestyles, habits, and traditions through the development of goods, machinery, medical equipment, and communication tools.

I strongly advocate for the use of technology in transportation due to its numerous benefits, including early arrival, safety, and efficiency. The first benefit is early arrival; modern transportation modes such as trains are instrumental in reducing travel time. For instance, in China, trains have become an essential mode of transportation because of the severe congestion in streets, with the country boasting the world's fastest trains, reaching speeds of up to 430 kilometers per hour (Top ten fastest trains in the World, 2013). Conversely, countries like the United States rely less on trains, making China more advanced in train technology. Safety features like automatic doors that close before trains arrive significantly reduce accidents at crossings, enhancing safety when traveling by rail.

The second reason for supporting technological transportation is safety. Airplanes are considered the safest mode of transport worldwide; aircraft like Airbus A380, the largest passenger plane, exemplify technological safety measures. The first flight of the A380 occurred in 2005, with engines manufactured by Rolls-Royce (Humphries, 2014). Historically, early aviation efforts, such as Abbas ibn Firnas’s attempt to fly in 887 AD, demonstrate mankind’s longstanding desire for flight, despite initial failures. While accidents do occur—such as the disappearance of Malaysian Flight MH370 or the French Flight AF447—they are exceedingly rare relative to the total number of flights (BBC News, 2015). Modern safety measures and regulations further minimize risks, making air travel one of the safest transport methods today.

The third benefit is the acceleration of work and travel efficiency. In the past, humans traveled on foot, which took days, as exemplified by stories of individuals walking long distances, such as a journey from Iraq to northern Saudi Arabia in ten days. Nowadays, with high-speed vehicles, people can cover hundreds of kilometers in just an hour. This acceleration facilitates economic activities and personal travel, improving quality of life and widening opportunities for social interaction. Although some argue that technological transport can be dangerous due to reckless driving or high-speed drifting, most countries enforce laws and regulations to curb such behavior, ensuring a safer transport environment (Thakur, 2013).

The evolution of transportation technology has not only made travel faster and safer but also more comfortable and luxurious. Modern cars, with their stylish designs and advanced features, attract young consumers seeking prestige and comfort. Furthermore, vehicles and aircraft now support complex navigation systems, enhancing precision and safety during travel (Lambert, n.d.). These technological innovations have facilitated global connectivity, allowing individuals to visit distant places with ease and comfort, fostering cultural exchanges and economic development.

Despite the many benefits, reliance on technology in transportation also presents challenges. Misuse of such technology—like dangerous driving behaviors—can lead to accidents. Additionally, a societal shift towards introversion and decreased physical activity is a concern related to technological dependence. Also, technological failures or system errors can sometimes cause disasters, though such occurrences are rare (Humphries, 2014). Therefore, while technology provides significant advantages, it must be accompanied by proper regulation, safety standards, and responsible usage guidelines.

In summary, technological advancements have dramatically transformed transportation, enabling faster, safer, and more comfortable travel. They have not only improved efficiency but also contributed to economic growth and cultural exchange. While concerns about misuse and accidents remain, the overall benefits of integrating technology into transportation systems far outweigh the drawbacks. I believe that embracing technological innovations in transportation is essential for ongoing development and improving human life quality.

References

  • BBC News. (2015). Missing Malaysia plane: What we know. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26502847
  • Humphries, Matthew. (2014). Airbus may scrap the world’s largest passenger plane, the A380. Geek.com. Retrieved from https://www.geek.com/news/airbus-may-scrap-the-worlds-largest-passenger-plane-the-a380-1547624/
  • Lambert, Tim. (n.d.). A brief history of transport. A History of Transportation. Retrieved from https://example.com/transport-history
  • Top ten fastest trains in the world. (2013). Railway Technology. Retrieved from https://railway-technology.com/features/feature-top-ten-fastest-trains-in-the-world/
  • Thakur, Arun. (2013). Top 10 ways technology has made our lives easier. TopYaps. Retrieved from https://www.topyaps.com/top-10-ways-technology-has-made-our-lives-easier/
  • Additional credible sources on technological safety measures in transportation (e.g., industry reports, scholarly articles, etc.) should be evaluated and cited accordingly.