The automobile's impact on American life is everywhere,for the car is much more than a means of traveling from one place to another.(1)___________________________________.Today we'll look at some of the negative effects.Traffic, road systems, traffic lights, parking lots, gas stations,car washes, fast food restaurants, malls, superstores, subdivisions—so many of the elements of our lives and worlds are the result of the automobile.A number of sociologists blame the automobiles for the decline of the downtown areas of the major cities.In the 1950's and 1960's the automobile made it possible to work in the city and yet live in the suburbs many miles away.Shopping patterns changed. Instead of patronizing downtown stores,people in the suburbs went to large markets built in open areas outside the city where everything was cheaper.Merchants in the cities failed. Stores closed. (2)______________________________.In recent years, there's been a rebirth of a number of downtown areas as suburbanites,especially young married couples,have moved into the city to avoid roads clogged with traffic between the suburbs and the cities every morning and evening.Now, let's look at some slides that illustrate these trends.By the way, tomorrow I'll explain the affect of all these automobiles on the environment.(3)_______________________________________________.
up to now we focus on the positive impact of the automobile society in the United States.
downtown shopping areas became deserted
for example, what happens to the atmosphere as a result of burning of gasoline and the exploration of natural resources like fossil fuels.