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3500 BC
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Horses are domesticated for use in transportation.
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Iron Horseshoes are invented to protect the feet of horses.
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Horse-Drawn Carriages are developed, but they are only available to the rich.
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The first public bus is invented by Blaise Pascal.
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The first self-propelled road vehicle is invented by Nicolas Joseph Cugnot.
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Modern bicycles are invented by Kirkpatrick MacMillan
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Richard Trevithick invented the first steam powered locomotive (designed for roads)
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Isaac de Rivas makes a hydrogen gas powered vehicle - first with internal combustion power - however, very unsuccessful design
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George Stephenson invents the first practical steam powered railroad locomotive.
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Jean Lenoir makes the first gasoline engine automobile.
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The Motorcycle is invented by Gottlieb Daimler.
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George Westinghouse invents the compressed air locomotive brake - enabled trains to be stopped with fail-safe accuracy
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Karl Benz builds the world's first practical automobile to be powered by an internal combustion engine
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Henry Ford improves the assembly line for automobile manufacturing.
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Drinking and driving became against the law. Intoxication was determined by arresting officers.
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Bullet train transportation is invented by the British and then sold to Japan.
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Responding to the call for greater safety for car drivers and passengers, President Lyndon Johnson signed the U.S. Motor Vehicle Safety Act into law. It mandated seat belts, energy-absorbing steering columns and dashboards, warning flashers, and head restraints on all cars sold in the country.
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Congress passed the Clean Air Act, setting standards for fuel consumption to increase engine efficiency and reduce air pollution. It also mandated installation of engine emission control devices. Engine horsepower dropped to accommodate the machinery.
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The first commercial high speed Maglev train starts operation between Shanghai and its airport.