Thursday, Jun 1 2006 | 10:10:52
An Essay on the Socioeconomic Effects of Automobiles on Individuals
Recently, a friend of mine in Vancouver got a car. It made me think how much my car has affected my life.
Since I have epilepsy, I didn't go through that whole "'k-dad-gimme-the-keys-I'm-going-out" phase during high school. The lack of that phase, combined with the fact that I grew up in rural Alberta, made for some boring times. I had friends who drove, but that was only Friday and Saturday nights. Summers were boring.
I finally got things under control and received clearance from my doctor in November '04 to drive (at the ripe old age of 22). I didn't actually go for my license until February, after taking a drivers training course in January.
My parents finally gave me their old '92 Plymouth Acclaim soon after. That thing totally sucked (as Fane can probably attest to) -- no heat, bad alternator, overheated easily, and it easily lost compression as the engine warmed up. Oh, it stalled a lot too, a bit odd for an automatic. In April '05 I bought a '95 Chevy Lumina SE which has been running smooth since.
But how has a car changed my life?
- It felt like that last rite of independence, after moving out from my parents when I was 17, and getting my B.Sc. and being done with school.
- It saves a hell of a lot of time and gives me more flexibility compared to using public transportation
- It lets me to diversify my shopping habits outside of the "let's go to the Save-on-Foods that's a block away" routine. Lets me save a lot of money on larger purchases by being able to compare prices on stores across town. (Thank you, Totem Sports!)
- I can finally drive to the rink and play hockey. It makes other sports that require big bags or lots of equipment (like golf) easier to get to as well, as well as things that happen right after work (like Karate)
- I can do things like go camping or go on road trips, like to Fairmont last year or The Heckle in Red Deer this year. I have at least two camping trips planned this summer.
- Probably saves Aaron and Tyler a lot of time (and gas) too, now that they don't have to swing over to my place before we go to the bar or movies. Same goes for my parents when I want to go out to the acreage.
- I doubt I'd be friends with Fane if I didn't drive. He's in Millwoods, I'm in Clairview, and a bus ride takes 90+ minutes one-way
All-in-all, with all the convenience and time-saving it offers, car insurance and gas is money well spent on a car. I suggest everyone who doesn't have one, to get one right now!
Since I have epilepsy, I didn't go through that whole "'k-dad-gimme-the-keys-I'm-going-out" phase during high school. The lack of that phase, combined with the fact that I grew up in rural Alberta, made for some boring times. I had friends who drove, but that was only Friday and Saturday nights. Summers were boring.
I finally got things under control and received clearance from my doctor in November '04 to drive (at the ripe old age of 22). I didn't actually go for my license until February, after taking a drivers training course in January.
My parents finally gave me their old '92 Plymouth Acclaim soon after. That thing totally sucked (as Fane can probably attest to) -- no heat, bad alternator, overheated easily, and it easily lost compression as the engine warmed up. Oh, it stalled a lot too, a bit odd for an automatic. In April '05 I bought a '95 Chevy Lumina SE which has been running smooth since.
But how has a car changed my life?
- It felt like that last rite of independence, after moving out from my parents when I was 17, and getting my B.Sc. and being done with school.
- It saves a hell of a lot of time and gives me more flexibility compared to using public transportation
- It lets me to diversify my shopping habits outside of the "let's go to the Save-on-Foods that's a block away" routine. Lets me save a lot of money on larger purchases by being able to compare prices on stores across town. (Thank you, Totem Sports!)
- I can finally drive to the rink and play hockey. It makes other sports that require big bags or lots of equipment (like golf) easier to get to as well, as well as things that happen right after work (like Karate)
- I can do things like go camping or go on road trips, like to Fairmont last year or The Heckle in Red Deer this year. I have at least two camping trips planned this summer.
- Probably saves Aaron and Tyler a lot of time (and gas) too, now that they don't have to swing over to my place before we go to the bar or movies. Same goes for my parents when I want to go out to the acreage.
- I doubt I'd be friends with Fane if I didn't drive. He's in Millwoods, I'm in Clairview, and a bus ride takes 90+ minutes one-way
All-in-all, with all the convenience and time-saving it offers, car insurance and gas is money well spent on a car. I suggest everyone who doesn't have one, to get one right now!
Make a comment (5) | Permalink
