by Thom W. Conroy

Created on: January 09, 2011

Depending upon your personal viewpoint there are just as many valid reasons not to drive as there are to drive, as both postures have an up and down side. Deciding not to drive is in essence to choose or alter your lifestyle and activities to match available transportation options. This is not to imply that not driving is a handicap - in fact the opposite is quite true, as there is a big and interesting world out there awaiting each of us once we remove ourselves from our self-imposed rolling exile from humanity.

One of the best reasons not to drive is to simply save money. Gasoline, car payments, car insurance, auto repairs, parking costs and car registration fees can easily add up to thousands of dollars annually which immediately cease to be a concern when we stop driving. An  individual that utilizes public transportation exclusively and frequently avoids these financial pitfalls and instantly discovers a surprisingly large influx of disposable income. These "found" monies can be used in any number of ways to improve the overall quality of life for those that were formerly drivers, as personal debt can be eliminated and previously unattainable creature comforts are suddenly within financial grasp.

In addition to the financial gains of deciding not to drive an individual can take pride in the fact that they are helping to preserve the environment by reducing pollutants through the power of their personal choice. Short trips that were driven in a car in the past now become opportunities to experience the benefits of exercise through walking short distances, resulting in better overall health for a former car owner. Lastly, a wonderful reason not to drive lies in the chance to become more sociable and knowledgeable of what is happening in our local communities. Conversations launched at bus stops and on public transportation vehicles affords a chance to make new acquaintances, learn of new cultures and stimulate intellectual thought by exposing an individual to diverse segments of society.

The choice not to drive is not suitable for everyone - it basically comes down to if an individual is a "glass half empty or glass half full" kind of person. Not everyone is cut out for a lifestyle that precludes traveling at a moment's notice, but for those willing to take the plunge with a positive outlook each of the reasons not to drive presents a specific associated reward.

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