The automobile is easily one of the most ubiquitous features of almost any developed, civilized society on earth - so much so that their presence is barely even recognized as remarkable among the general populace. And understandably so, considering that as of 2007 there were roughly 806 million cars and light trucks all over the world. That equates to about one car for every eleven people. However, in spite of their omnipresence across the modern world, the magnitude of their importance is no less diluted. On the contrary, the all-pervasive numbers and utilities of the automobile have made it an absolutely vital facet of modern living.
Since automobiles became the de facto method of transportation, almost the entirety of modern civilization has evolved to accommodate them. The entire fossil fuel industry has been dominated by automobiles which, on average, consume 260 billion gallons of diesel or gasoline every year, giving rise to a number of gas station and convenience store chains. Interstate highways spanning for thousands of miles across the country have made necessary an entire industry of companies who provide fast, cheap amenities for traveling motorists, from motels, to fast food, to the odd roadside attraction. A massive portion of the United States' entire infrastructure is based entirely around automobiles. Even entire cities are designed around the efficient layout of roads and the space required to house vehicles parked off the road. Automobiles have become so utterly integral to modern living that there is hardly an aspect in our daily lives not directly impacted, or conceived entirely, by their use.
However, while cars are an irreplaceable feature of economic and social logistics for many Americans, many others have found the desire or necessity to reevaluate their roles. In cities with expansive and effective public transportation systems, many citizens do not own vehicles. Often times in more densely populated urban areas, most basic necessities are located within walking distance of one's residence. In New York City, for example, only about 45% of the population commuted to work in 2005 using independent means. The rest opted for the city's mass transit system - the most extensive in North America and featuring the busiest subway system in the Western hemisphere.
Reciprocally, people whose occupation may require a commute over vast distances - people whose work requires frequent business trips for example - may not need to own an automobile either. In these cases, they'll use air or rail travel to commute long distances, usually toward larger cities where they can make use of public transportation. Another common practice (and industry that arose alongside the development of automobiles) is for some to rent cars for a short period of time. These rentals typically come with a wide variety of conditions concerning the cost of such rentals, depending on factors such as the make and model of the car, distance traveled, damage incurred, etc. Many offer additional peripheral products, for example insurance, GPS, or entertainment systems. Given the temporary nature of their ownership, some third party companies even offer discounts or additional services, for example Hertz rental car coupons offered by that company. The rental car coupons favor those who travel often but do not wish to own a vehicle.
Automobiles will continue to be a permanent fixture in modern society, and as technology advances, so will the roles, applications, and utilities for them. And as the auto industry advances, one can expect to see the landscape of modern civilization advance with it.
Author Resource:-
Article by Paul Wise. When it comes to Hertz car rental coupons, Paul recommends Rentacarcouponcodes.com for detailed information and tips on rental car coupons.
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