Life — May 17, 1906 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Opening of the Automobile Season" This satirical cartoon mocks the dangers and hazards of early automobile use. The illustration shows a treacherous obstacle course titled "The Opening of the Automobile Season," depicting various road hazards: rough tire batteries, rapid fires for checking tires, barbed wire, and ditches. The accompanying text criticizes "muck rakes"—reformers who expose social problems—for their denunciations of these hazards. The satire suggests that while reformers complain about automobile dangers, the vehicles themselves and poor road conditions remain the real threats. A sign declares "AUTOISITS MAY SPEED AS FAST AS THEY WISH ALONG THIS ROAD," ironically mocking inadequate safety regulations. The dialogue shows exasperation that only one automobile is available for use, highlighting the era's scarcity and high demand for these new vehicles despite their obvious dangers.