Automobiles are vehicles that have a motor, primarily for the transportation of passengers and goods. They are also used for special purposes such as ambulances, fire brigades, and police vehicles.
The term automobile comes from the Dutch word auto, which means “car.” In the 1600s, a Dutch scientist named Christiaan Huygens discovered an internal combustion engine that could be ignited by gunpowder. This invention changed the course of human history and gave rise to the modern car.
Early cars were powered by steam or by gasoline. While steam cars had some advantages, they had a short range and were inconvenient to start.
In 1886, Karl Benz patented the first automobile to be powered by an internal combustion engine. It was called a Benz Motorwagen and was a major breakthrough in the development of the car.
Since then, automobiles have changed a great deal in both their design and technology. Safety belts, airbags, specialized child restraint systems, and structural changes have reduced death and injury from car accidents. But automobiles are still prone to crashes, and drivers are susceptible to making mistakes that can cause a serious accident.