Automobiles are a fundamental part of our daily lives. They help us move from one place to another, and provide transportation for millions of people. Developed countries like the United States, Japan, and Germany have made the automobile a central part of their economies. They travel more than three trillion miles each year, making them a vital part of any society.
The automobile was the answer to the 19th-century dream of a self-propelled carriage. It was born from the motorcycle and eventually led to the development of the self-propelled bicycle. In 1884, Edward Butler built the first commercial three-wheeler with a horizontal single-cylinder gasoline engine. It featured steerable front wheels and a chain drive to the rear wheel.
As a motorcyclist, you should take special care to stay alert to what is going on around you. While it is important to pay attention to the road and the people in front of you, it is also important to pay attention to other motorized vehicles that might be in your path. Three recent accidents in the Burlington area involved motorbikes and automobiles.
Whether motorcycles fall under the definition of an automobile is an issue of debate. Some argue that motorcycles are not automobiles, even though they are self-propelled and are meant to transport people. However, the definition is often misunderstood, and there is no single correct answer.