In todays society people have become too dependent on automobiles. This is evidenced by the congestion of traffic each day on all major routes, the manufacturing of new and improved models each year and the devastation of the broken down car on the side of a highway.
People are dependent on their cars to get to and from work each day. Even in areas where there is public transportation available, the automobile is the preferred method of transportation. It allows one the freedom to travel in the privacy and luxury of polymer panels, fastened securely by the seat belt with peace of mind knowing that impact will be lessened by driver side airbags. .
The automobile is a love affair that began with the release of the Ford and has since grown into a total dependancy. This is partially due to the fast paced lifestyle we now live and the necessity to be able to travel long distances in the shortest amount of time. Time is of the essence, and the automobile enables us to maintain busy schedules, playing a key role in balancing work and family. Likewise, the breakdown of an automobile has a major impact on the harmonious balance.
The city has grown and expanded and rural areas are now becoming more developed and populated. The cost and accessibility of housing in urban areas have caused many people to move beyond the city limits, thus increasing the dependancy on the automobile. The distances travelled each day has increased and public transportation has not expanded to include these areas.
The decreased health of a population also supports the argument that we are too dependant on the automobile. People no longer walk to the shopping centre or to their friends houses because now those distances have increased. Major malls with multiple stores replace the small local store that used to support a smaller population. Schools are filled with students bussed in from various locations and friendships are established with people that may reside miles from your home.