Disruption Of Society


The numbers of road accidents are very high. U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson noted in 1965 that 1.5 million people died on U.S. roads in 20 years, a record heavier than the wars. Some, like Ralph Nader published a pamphlet called "Unsafe at any speed", involving the responsibility of manufacturers. Also in France, the number of road accidents has doubled between 1958 and 1972, the Government, through the Prime Minister Jacques Chaban-Delmas, recognizes that "the French network is not suitable for heavy traffic and fast ". Manufacturers will therefore pay more attention to the safety of their modèles.


In 1971, Australians were the first to vote compulsory wearing of seat belts. Due to these new priorities, FWD wins against propulsion, most manufacturers offer their new models with this transmission. In France, the famous 4CV Renault rear engine is replaced by the R4 FWD. The United States also opt for this technical solution, the first to be equipped is ToronadoSB Oldsmobile. In racing, the rear central position, that is to say at the front of the rear axle, is preferred. Indeed, this position helps balance the masses and ideally reduce roll and pitch in behavior dynamique.

In the 1960, awareness of safe automotive raises a social phenomenon that is consumer protection. Following the publication in 1965 UNSAFE AT ANY book by Ralph Nader SPEED, then leader of the Movement consumerism, in which he denounces the lack of security of American cars, General Motors is obliged to remove the Chevrolet Corvair for sale . Subsequently, he brought and won several lawsuits against the auto industry in 1971 and created an association for the defense of American consumers, called "Public Citizen".

Urban management is complicated automobiles gradually. Air pollution, traffic congestion and parking congestion are problems that cities face. Recent attempt to promote alternatives to the car so that, paradoxically, the trams are again appearing or suggest the "carpool" to automobilistes.