Explore Car Safety

Automobile Wreck at Rider Avenue Crossing, New York, circa 1905

Photographic print

Automobiles are fast, powerful, and potentially dangerous. Accidents became more commonplace as automotive speeds and the number of drivers on American roads increased in the early 20th century. This very early wreck drew a crowd of onlookers. Eventually, automobile manufacturers, governments, and drivers themselves were compelled to improve automotive safety.

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"Popular Science," March 1948

Magazine (Periodical)

The cover of this Popular Science magazine probably got people's attention. This March 1948 issue highlighted safe driving habits its readers needed to understand. The magazine had been publishing articles about the automobile--and its driver--for years. More and more, safety concerns shared the pages with other automotive advancements.

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"Popular Science," April 1946

Magazine (Periodical)

Popular Science provided information about scientific and technological advancements. In the early 1900s articles about the automobile -- and its driver -- became commonplace in the monthly's pages. Editors included a series of articles on automobile safety in this April 1946 issue. In one article, readers could test their knowledge of safe driving.

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1957 Cornell-Liberty Safety Car

Automobile

Cornell Aeronautical Labs did some of the first crash testing of automobiles. In 1957 Cornell teamed with Liberty Mutual Insurance to build this unusual looking concept car that incorporated the lessons learned in testing. The car did not actually run, but it featured ideas like seat belts, head rests, and padded interiors that are incorporated into today's cars.

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