Cars are the peak of technological innovation. Whether commuting to school, going on a trip or just taking a joyride around the block, cars have allowed us to do so much.
These four-wheeled vehicles have helped us get from “Point A” to “Point B” with ease. Walking and biking are great options as well, but when it comes down to time constraints and long distances, cars are a must-have. On top of that, they make short trips faster, and it is much more efficient than taking a plane. While the fuel emissions per person are about the same when taking a plane or a car, the added pollution that airplanes bring from chemicals like black carbon, nitrous oxide and sulfur oxide releases further the greenhouse effect and worsens climate change according to Yale Climate Connections. Cars do still emit harmful chemicals adding to global warming, but luckily there is a solution. Electric and Hybrid cars are paving the way for greener travel. Using electricity rather than oil allows for transportation to be cleaner, as there are fewer gasses being emitted into our atmosphere.
Cars have also created an industry supporting millions of families. When building cars there is a need for engineers, mechanics, auto paint technicians and many more. The job opportunities do not end in manufacturing, of course; delivery drivers, for example, are not typically recognized as people who benefit from the automotive industry.They are a fundamental part of our society whether it is delivering a shipment to factories, providing food or getting people their packages. It can also be argued that cars are used to provide access to the workforce through transportation to their jobs which they would not be able to attend to or obtain without having access to a car.
When first given access to a vehicle there is a sudden rush of freedom, but soon reality sets in. You are stranded on the side of the road coming back from a concert because you forgot that you had to pay for gas. Owning a car helps kids understand responsibility and the importance of taking care of things. When people — specifically young adults — first learn how to drive, they are not only met with the task of driving safely but also with taking care of the car. If a bird poops on it or a light bulb goes out, the driver of the car is then responsible for fixing the problem, giving teens a taste of responsibility. Personally, I love having a car. It is a private place where I can be myself. I can play my music without someone in the other room telling me to turn it down; my friends and I can go on random drives and just sit and talk without random people butting into our conversations; and I can take off and get myself a sweet treat whenever I feel like it. I love to use it as an escape from the rest of the world, whether it is just finding a place to park and reflect or going somewhere secluded to take a hike and reconnect with nature.
Cars provide comfort, safety, stability and adventure, and should be celebrated.
