Car Dependency In America

Car dependence is a common issue throughout United States. Except for a few major cities,such as New York ,Chicago ,or Boston ; the majority of  Americans  are living in rural or suburban areas require a car to get around to engage in everyday activities such as getting to work or school, grocery stores, as well accessing public resources such as parks. America’s dependency on cars has created a widespread issue  of social, economic, and environmental issues, including food insecurity and poor health. Despite being one the wealthiest and developed nations in the world, the United States consistently ranks lower compared to other developed nations in terms of its  health and life expectancy. Research has consistently shown a link between car dependence and poor health, as well as overall  poor health outcomes. While many Americans may not realize the benefits of living in a walkable community, it has become clear through research and studies that living in and developing walkable communities across the country  can improve American citizens’ overall quality of life and health. 

Car dependence is a contributing factor to many  Americans’ poor overall health , including obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health problems in the US. The article “Are cars the new tobacco?” highlights the addictive nature of car usage and the role of infrastructure and city planning plays in this addiction to cars. Douglas et al. (2011) state, “Like tobacco, the harms associated with cars are disproportionately borne in disadvantaged communities. Deprived areas are more likely to be heavily congested with traffic, resulting in high levels of air pollution, noise, severance, and crashes. 50,51 rates of death and injury from crashes show a steep social gradient, with higher rates per capita in more deprived groups”. This highlights that automobiles have become so deeply ingrained in American society and infrastructure, and it is shown to contribute to our growing social and economic gap throughout the country. On the contrary, having the privilege of independence and owning a car allows for personal benefit to those who can afford it. Douglas (2011) states “ Car owners have better overall health than non-car owners, reflecting their greater affluence. 55,56 They also have better access to employment, services, and amenities.” Although cars may bring economic benefit to those who own one, it continues to widen economic inequality in the U.S. and seems to cause more harm than good overall.

Moreover, the consumer is not only to blame for the extreme car dependence and addiction in America. The automobile industry’s marketing and advertising strategies also play a role in consumers’ usage and willingness to purchase vehicles in the first place. Douglas (2011 ) highlights the information that “The tobacco industry has used marketing strategies to increase uptake and maintenance of smoking.58–60 The car industry adopts very similar strategies including direct advertising and sponsorship designed to create the perception that their products are aspirational. “ Although the ultimate decision to purchase a vehicle lies in the consumers’ hands, the influence of car companies shapes consumers’ beliefs that owning a car is dire and necessary. With these marketing campaigns, car companies can create an ideal and desirable image of what owning a car can be like and make consumers believe that a car is not simply a convenience but it is a necessity to have.

Walkable and cycling communities promising solutions have proven to be effective ways to mitigate the negative impacts of car dependence on public health. The source “A Disadvantaged Advantage in Walkability” showcases the need to address social and economic inequalities to improve access to walkable neighborhoods and public services for disadvantaged populations (King 2014). Walkable communities provide opportunities for physical activity, promoting better health outcomes and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. For example in the article, KIng&Clarke state “Urban land-use configuration also can present direct risks for chronic disease and stress—such as exposure to air pollution (20, 21), traffic (22), noise (23), and higher small-area ambient temperatures (24). Air pollution exposures are higher in disadvantaged communities “ showing that urban city areas with high car usage and dependence are more likely to have exposure to high rates of air pollution, and those who live in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to be near main roads with traffic and less green spaces such as parks causing the likelihood of chronic disease or illness to be higher. 

High car usage not only leads to traffic which also causes delays for those who have access to and use public transport, but also those who have prolonged exposure to traffic will have an increased risk of asthma, childhood cancer, and respiratory conditions according to the Cdc (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2014). But the only issue is not simply physical activity, a large factor in the health of our communities lies in the food sources available as well. Lack of access to quality and affordable food e, leads the disadvantaged to opt for more processed food options or take out food from a fast food chain such as McDonalds. It has been shown that fast-food restaurants are typically located in more deprived and low-income neighborhoods “Ecological correlations between obesity rates and the prevalence of fast-food outlets have been found for US states and account for ∼6% of the variance in obesity in a model which explained 70% of the state-level geographic difference.83 (Cummins 2005).The combination of high traffic levels, lack of green space, walkability, and access to healthy food can overall lead to major health problems for children and adults.

Accurately measuring walkability in communities  is an important step toward implementing more walkable communities in the United States. Tools such as Walk Scores and Transit Scores play a crucial role in evaluating walkability in neighborhoods an detecting g what neighborhoods need more resources than the other .The article “Validation of Walk Scores and Transit Scores” for estimating neighborhood walkability and transit availability”(Duncan 2013) showcases  the importance  of using these these scores and using them  to identify neighborhoods  with low walkability and access to transit. . By utilizing the tools and data  of Walk and transit scores , policymakers,city planners ,and architects  can make better decisions toward walkable neighborhoods and more efficient public transport.

The act of Implementing walkable communities in the United States would  most likely come within many obstacles and resistance. American society’s values and attitudes towards cars and convenience may cause resistance to the implementation of walkable communities. Many Americans perceive car ownership as a personal symbol of independence and success. Citizens may be resistant to giving up the independence and convenience of a car Additionally, political figures and car and gas companies may be resistant to walkable communities. The car companies may resist changes that may reduce car usage and overall sales. Political figures may not believe in the benefits of a walkable community because of personal beliefs or government budgets.

In conclusion, car dependence in America has led to many  social, economic, and environmental problems, which has contributed to america’s overall  poor health outcomes with chronic disease and diabetes . Taking the steps to help underprivileged communities ,and encourage politicians and city planners to invest in walkable and cycling  infrastructure is one of the key solutions to helping Americans overall health and  living a quality life