In a world where the first question you are asked is not whether you drive but what you drive being a non-driver singles you out as an individual who knows their own mind. Non-drivers understand there are many good reasons to not be the person behind the wheel.

SAVING MONEY
It is not only gas prices that continue to rise. Insurance, registration and maintenance costs are not standing still either. Using public transport, walking or cycling can save you thousands of dollars. As a non-driver you may on occasion get a ride from others who drive cars. Often this will be free but even if you contribute to the cost it will not equal the cost of driving yourself.

PERSONAL TIME
Taking the train or bus to work leaves you free to listen to your music, read a book or simply daydream. If you love your work you can use the time to catch up on reading reports uninterrupted or make a few business calls and you will arrive at work more prepared and more relaxed than drivers battling with gridlock.

PUNCTUALITY
As a non-driver you become renowned for being on time. Public transport is timetabled which forces you to be disciplined about departure and arrival times. Being a driver encourages a false sense of control over travel times as you may depart at any time you choose. Unfortunately most drivers only allow the minimum amount of time required for optimal traffic conditions. Even if you happen to be a passenger in a car and subject to the vagaries of the road you will be dropped at the door of your destination while the driver must continue on to search for that elusive parking spot.

SOCIALISING
You can't take a turn at being the designated driver if you don't drive. Instead you can relax and drink as much as you like without having to worry about your blood alcohol level or what you will do with your car should it rise above the legal limit. As an added bonus those boring, stupid drunks at parties don't seem nearly as obnoxious when you've had a few yourself.

HEALTH
Walking or riding a bike is exercise with a purpose when you are a non-driver. You can get fit, keep your weight down and help your heart and lungs all without thinking about it. Not being subjected to the frustrations of traffic also helps avoid stress related problems. Perhaps most importantly, road accidents are one of the major causes of untimely death and permanent disability. By using alternative methods of transportation you are substantially reducing your risk of becoming a statistic.

SAVE THE WORLD
Perhaps the best reason for being a non-driver is the impact you can have on the planet. Every non-driver makes a difference by not adding to the carbon emissions that contribute to the problems of global warming and climate change.

There are many good reasons for being a non-driver and more people are realizing this every day. Choosing not to own a car, or even leaving it at home every now and then can result in benefits for both the individual today and future generations to come.

Learn more about this author, Marie Hurley.
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