Safety

I tend to over-react, and over-correct. It's just a fact. Neither of these are safe when dealing with the many hindrances of driving. I also tend to get emotional easily. Some people use driving to clear their head, I know; but when I was taking driver training in my early twenties, sometimes the process just made me want to cry. For me, walking is a much better stress reliever. Not to mention, you can feel the wind on your face, and there is no need for gas money. Hey, I'll go with that!

Useful...

As much as insurance has sky rocketed...I don't have to worry about it. I also don't have to worry about it doubling or trippling if I'm in an accident. This is an anxiety many people face (and I've not heard one person say they enjoy it). And as I've said before, getting rides with people keeps me in company and gives me a chance to talk. As into myself as I am...this helps a lot. There are other people out there whose interests are different Han mine...When I ride along with them, I can see what they are, and find something new to be passionate about.
Sometimes, running errands with people is a cooperative effort...I mean, I might be keeping drinks.from spilling, or reading the map, or keeping restless kids down in their seats. This is all important...especially when a driver can't get to these things, and it prevents accidents.
Sometimes...it's keeping the driver awake. How many times have I come back from Disneyland in the middle of the night? Kudos to all passengers who have kept that driver paying attention!

Closer

If I didn't't depend on other people to help me get around...would I talk to anybody? Seriously. I'm la loner. Which isn't a bad thing. But who wants to ripen and then rot? I mean, people need SOME socialization, you know? Sure, some days I wanna hide under the covers and not come out--and I quite enjoy it. But weall need to connect with another human being once in in a while. If I drove everywhere--chances are this would be just one more thing I would do alone. And then I'd stil be alone there too. Rides are a chance tre-connect. Just for a little while, I can talk with someone and find out what' s going on with them.

"How can I pray for you?"
"Maybe we can do lunch."
"So, how did you do on that test?"

This gets me out and keeps me in the know (Even if it's just a little).
Besides that...it's something I can afford. No car payment; just gas money where it applies.
This helps someone else every once in a while.
Good conversation and some laughs, an encouraging radio show...and it gets me where I need to go.
Why not?

Different

When I spent a semester in England, my friend I was living with told me that she'd like to just get rid of her car. England is a completely different and wonderful culture. Their refrigerators aren't half the size of ours, and they don't eat "leftover's" all the time like we do. They walk to "the shop" and get groceries for one meal, rather than one week (and Costco?...what's that??). They have street markets with fresh produce (it won't last more than a couple days), They have a lot less room for vehicles and much better public transportation than we have. Besides, their fuel is much more expensive. Wow, I got on great there! I walked everywhere and was encouraged to use the Bus system and the Underground.
My friend explained to me that with her kids grown and out of the house (and the fact that she really doesn't drive so much anymore), she didn't have much desire to hang onto her car and keep paying for the gas. I was intrigued by this. Where I live...you are very strange if you do not have a vehicle!

No Wheels

When I was in high school, I took Driver's Ed like most students. Driver's training wasn't offered, of course, and I didn't have money to pay for it. I got my pink slip like everyone else...but secretly, wasn't thrilled with the idea of driving. How do you say that? I mean, EVERYBODY wants to drive in high school, right?...it's like the gateway to independence, right?

But secretly, I didn't... I was scared. What if I hit somebody? What if they hit me? What if I injure or kill them? What if someone else injures or kills me? None of my FRIENDS were worried about these things, and if they were...I didn't know about it. Long tory short...I'm in my thirties now, and still don't drive. My family always said (as long as I can remember)that cars were too much trouble. My dad told me that as soon as I got a car... all I would do is pour money into it. I think he was right. Ever since I got that pink slip at fifteen...I've needed money I didn't have... driver's training, insurance payments, car payments, repairs and gas, smog checks, tags...

Oh, wait a minute...I don't drive...that's right! So, none of the above applies to me. I've always been bothered by this...I guess it's because gaining that "independence" of having a car wasn't just a "normal" part of my life like all my friends. But not everybody drives, and in some places, it's actually encouraged that people don't have cars. Hmmmm-- maybe there's more freedom to NOT driving than I realize. I thought I'd look into it a little and put some of my thoughts down... but if you don't drive, I'd like to know your thoughts. If you ENJOY not having a car... I'd love to hear about it. Let me know... what do you think?