1920s
Drivers’ expectations increase
Not only did road construction create thousands of new jobs in the 1920s, the increase in automobiles led to an increase in services for drivers. Gas stations became more common (many locations claim to have had the “first” gas stations in the early part of the century). The number of car mechanics increased. Motels (short for “motor hotels”) popped up along major routes.
The increase in drivers even transformed American cuisine: hamburgers, french fries, and milkshakes became commonplace in new roadside “diners.” After all, drivers wanted to eat fast and cheap so they could be on their way.