United States, Car Dependence, and the Pursuit of Happiness
The United States, with its sprawling suburbs and limited public transport, is one of the most car-dependent countries in the world. However, research has found that this arrangement of obligatory driving is affecting Americans’ quality of life. A new study discovered a tipping point at which more driving leads to deeper unhappiness, despite having a car being better than not for overall life satisfaction. The study found that driving for more than 50% of the time for out-of-home activities is linked to a decrease in life satisfaction.
Car dependency has a threshold effect, according to Rababe Saadaoui, an urban planning expert. Using a car just sometimes increases life satisfaction, but driving too much can lead to unhappiness. Extreme car dependence comes at a cost, outweighing its benefits.
The study analyzed people’s responses to questions about driving habits and life satisfaction, considering factors such as income, family situation, race, and disability. The results were “surprising” and could be the result of several negative impacts of driving, including stress, physical inactivity, reduced engagement with others, and financial burdens.
Decades of national and state interventions have prioritized building extensive highway systems, which has encouraged suburban sprawl and erosion of shared spaces. As a result, many short journeys outside the house require a car. Even those without a car, who are often poor or disabled, face expenses and isolation due to their situation.
For those without cars, such as Anna Zivarts, born with a neurological condition, daily life can be isolating. She advocates for considering the needs of those without cars, noting that a long-term effort is needed to create walkable communities with public transport options. Immediate action could involve consulting with people without cars to gain a deeper understanding of their challenges.
In a country where cars are deeply entrenched, the decision to promote a balance between car use and alternatives is crucial. The US must prioritize making its communities more accessible and affordable for all, including those who cannot drive.
