Basically, an automobile is a vehicle that transports people and goods from one location to another. It is a vehicle that is safe for use on the road and complies with safety regulations. Some automobiles also conform to emissions standards.
Defining an automobile
Defining an automobile is an ongoing topic. There are a number of statutes and policies in play. While there is no single definition, it is safe to say that automobiles include the likes of motorcycles, scooters, cars and trucks. The insurance industry is no exception. A number of recent decisions have left insurers in a quandary.
There are a number of statutes that govern the definition of an automobile in different provinces. In British Columbia, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia is responsible for defining an automobile in order to mitigate exposure to risk. They are required to insure any motor vehicle that travels on roads, highways or other public ways. The company also requires that operators of these vehicles obtain a license to operate. The company also collects premiums to offset exposure.
Vehicles that move people and cargo from one location to another
Various types of vehicles exist to transport people and cargo from A to B. Some serve specific functions while others may be of no use at all. Hence, it’s no surprise that the best way to get from A to B is via a vehicle that can handle the task at hand. Depending on the job at hand, it may be a case of selecting the right vehicle from among a wide variety of vehicle types.
For instance, it’s no surprise that a tanker truck is the go-to vehicle to haul liquids such as oil and water, albeit in smaller volumes. In addition, the tanker has several other uses. For instance, it can be used to transport edible vegetable oils from dairies to processing factories.
Vehicle safety regulations
Several high-visibility cases have led to increased vehicle recalls. In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has increased its emphasis on vehicle safety regulations and has begun to interact more directly with manufacturers, vehicle safety advocates, and other stakeholders.
NHTSA has also begun to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory activities, including in the development of the FMVSS No. 141, which governs vehicle alert sounds. These standards are based on SAE J2889, which was discussed in the preamble to the original final rule.
Car-jackings and car-jackers
Despite being a relatively new crime, car-jackings and car-jackers have become commonplace in many parts of the world. In fact, it is one of the most common crimes in the United States.
Although car-jackings and car-jackers happen throughout the country, they are most commonly found in urban areas. Moreover, they are most likely to occur in the night. That is why it is important to take extra precautions when driving during the night.
One of the easiest ways to avoid car-jackings and car-jackers is to avoid driving alone at night. Many criminals look for easy targets. For instance, they may pose as hitchhikers, stranded drivers, or even motorists in need.
Emissions standards
Currently, the United States has very stringent emission standards for automobiles. This will help reduce the amount of air pollution in the country and counter climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is enforcing clean air practices throughout the country. It is establishing very stringent standards for gasoline-powered cars and trucks.
The Clean Air Act charges the EPA with establishing emission standards for automobiles. The agency uses test results to determine whether a vehicle has met the applicable standards.