The private automobile has long played an important 1 in the United States.In fact, it has become a necessary and important part of the American way of life.In 1986, sixty-nine percent of American families owned at least one car, and thirty-eight percent had more 2 one.By giving workers rapid transportation, the automobile has freed them from having to live near their place of work.This has encouraged the 3 (grow)of the cities, but it has also led 4 traffic problems.
Family life has been affected in various ways, The car helps to keep families together 5 it is used for picnics, outings.However, when teenage children have the use of the car, their parents can't keep 6 eye on them.There is a great danger if the driver has been drinking alcohol(酒精)or 7 (take)drugs, or showing off by speeding or breaking down traffic laws.Mothers of victims(罹难者)of such accidents have formed an 8 (organize)called MADD.These women want to prevent further tragedies(悲剧).They have worked to encourage the government to limit the youngest drinking age, Students have formed a 9 (similarity)organization, SADD, and are spreading the same message among their friends.
For many Americans the automobile is a 10 (necessary).But for some, it is also a mark of social position and for young people, a sign of becoming an adult.Altogether, cars mean very much to Americans.