A Car Dependent World

Something that all teens realize is that they are growing up in a car dependent world, and they will soon become part of it. Cars are the single most important everyday transportation device, and most families own at least one. Most people just accept this and don’t really care because it is what they see as normal and what they have grown up in as well. But the truth is… CARS ARE RUINING US!

Cars Are Deadly

Cars are one of the biggest causes of death in our country, killing over 40,000 people every year! Sadly, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for kids, but we still grow up to accept a world full of them.

Cars Make Us Lazy

Cars are seen as the normal way of transportation, even for short journeys less than a mile long. Cars make us get less physical activity and lead to a more sedentary lifestyle for all. Truly, they are unhealthy, and there are way better options! For short journeys, we should always bike or walk, with exceptions for weather. Countries such as The Netherlands are big on biking, and less big on cars. Their population is more active and healthy than ours, and it is because of our cars vs their bikes.

Why Is It Like This?

The United States was built around the car. We have interstates, highways, bridges, tunnels, all meant for cars and cars only! We do not have enough pedestrian or biking infrastructure, and anyone who tries to traverse the roads with a bike or on foot is destined for trouble. It is never too late to change this, but the government does not always do what the people want, and the people don’t have the authority or resources to do it for themselves. There have been recent developments in the U.S. to make more bikeable and pedestrian friendly areas, and they do work! But this is drowned out by the massive suburban sprawl being added every day, built for the car!

So what do you think about cars? Hopefully now you see the truth behind them. I know it is hard to change your lifestyle, especially your transportation, and I’m not saying to do that. I am just revealing the true danger of the car…

- Parker G., 9th Grade