Living Without Cars in America

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion2

America sans Automobiles2

Economic Impact2

Social Impact3

Society3

Environment4

Cultural Impact4

Living in a Car free society5

Conclusion6

References7

Living Without Cars in America

Introduction

A study by PEW research center (2006), states that any country that has more vehicles than commuters can be easily termed as a country that loves automobiles. The same study quoting figures by Department of Transportation (2005) states that there were over 247 million vehicles in America. Similarly, Stat spotting (2011) states that the in 2008, the figures rose to over 250 million and in 2009 these figures stood at 246 million vehicles. According to another analysis by e360 (2010), there are over 117 vehicles for every 100 Americans who have their driving licenses, this figure does not take into account those individuals can drive, and drive without acquiring their driving license.

Conversely, with such large number of vehicles on road, America is also one of the largest carbon dioxide emitting country in the world, a large proportion of which comes from the cars on the road. Borger (2006) shares that a third of the world's total automobile force is dominated by America alone, which is also the largest fume and carbon dioxide- CO2 emitting country in the world.

This paper aims to explore the hypothetical situation in which all automobiles in America have been banned and what possible consequences would this action prompt on the economic, cultural, and social front, and to gauge if such move will be beneficial for the society or not. It will also include a discussion on the likely impact of this move on the Americans and if they are likely to welcome such a drastic change.

Discussion

America sans Automobiles

As discussed in the previous section, America has the largest automobile force in the world, to the extent that on average there are 1.3 vehicles per American available. Such high number of automobiles on road causes external costs to both the environment and the society. This section intends to discuss the possible impact on America, if all automobiles are to be banned for good under the following aspects:

Economic Impact

The likely economic effects of automobile ban in America could be highlighted in both positive and negative light. Few of the positive effects of this move on the American economy are first most; the dependence on gasoline and fuel and its consumption would diminish largely, evoking a decrease in expenditure by both the Americans and the government. Card (2007) analyzes the possibility of living without cars and what such move would entail; describing one of the many possible benefits discussed by him includes relaxation of taxes on the poor. According to Card (2007), the neighborhoods, towns, and cities infrastructure is designed in the manner where owning and commuting in a car has become a necessity for all, this adds additional burden on the poor who have to travel long distances to work. Thus, if the cars are banned, it will invoke less expenses and tax costs for those who are already burdened with inadequate income and increasing ...