I have family & friends who are well into their adult years and have never gotten a driver's license... They expect to be driven around all the time.... or get a bus. Don't they realize how free you are when you have a car and a license? Why do they prefer to spend most of the time waiting on busses and rides from friends? ... And then get angry with you when you say you are too busy to be their personal chauffer?
2007-08-16 13:30:12 · 5 answers · asked by Princess Leia 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
It kind of depends on where you live, and how people think. New York City is the center of the universe for those who live there, and the transit system is very good. Plus, parking and keeping a car makes the idea unattractive and cost-prohibitive as well. Some parts of Southern California are like this too. People are of the mindset that "why should I go anywhere else, when all I need is right here"? They can get wherever they go with tokens and a bus pass.
Another factor is the older generation, spousal thing. Many women never learned to drive, as their husbands took care of the cars, finances, and even where they drove together. Once the husband passes, they're now on their own, and many women don't learn to drive until they are in their 60's or more.
Some people never learn to drive, as there are plenty of people around who will take them when they need to go somewhere. Larger families are more prone to do this.
Ever seen illegals in the emergency room? Someone needs an ingrown toenail removed, and there are 15 more people than necessary in the waiting room with them. For them it is a social thing, so everyone can get out and be together.
You ARE absolutely correct--being able to drive is a form of independence and allows you to see the world around you on your own terms.
I'll add something here that you did not mention. If you know how to drive and can safely operate an automobile, you should be able to diagnose simple repairs as you learn how your machine operates. You should be able to change a tire on the highway, check the fluid levels, and be able to explain how the car is acting if repairs are needed.
We can also learn from our European friends also. You should also be able to drive a standard transmission as well. There are no automatic transmissions in Europe. What if you are broke down a lonely road, and the farmer along the road offers you his pickup to go into town and buy gas? If you cannot drive a standard, you are absolutely stuck. This is how we do things in the South. Been there, done that.
Great question, and thanks for listening!
2007-08-16 13:49:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people are too nervous to drive. For instance, my grandfather tried to teach my grandmother to drive. The first time she tried, she backed into another car while trying to pull away from the curb. She parked the car, got out, and never tried again.
On the other hand, there are many people who can't try for physical reasons: their eye-sight isn't good enough, they have seizures, and so on.
Still others live in big cities where they don't *need* to learn to drive to get anywhere they want to go. That's a personal choice, and they are quite within their rights to make it.
If someone asks you politely to give him a ride somewhere, and your answer is that you're 'too busy', I'm not surprised that he gets upset. It's all in the way you say it. If, instead, you apologize for having a previous engagement and suggest that the person give you more advance notice - and then follow through - then everyone will be happier, including you.
Instead of getting exasperated with their perceived 'failure' to get a driver's license, be more tolerant, and spend the extra time with your friends and relatives. Driving in a car with them can be a great way to get to know them better. You won't have the chance after they're gone, and you'll be left with deep regrets.
2007-08-16 13:46:55 · answer #2 · answered by JelliclePat 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
For the same reason some people don't go to medical school and become doctors, or take piano lessons and learn to play, or get a private pilot license. It's called "personal choice." No one can take advantage of you unless you allow it.
2007-08-16 13:35:30 · answer #3 · answered by oklatom 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Its called life.
2007-08-16 13:41:20 · answer #4 · answered by HyperGforce 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if i never learned to drive and bummed rides , i would be rich beyond my wildest imagination ... I SURE HAVE SPENT ALOT OF MONEY ON DRIVING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-08-16 13:38:23 · answer #5 · answered by jon_wayne89 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
some cats have a hard time w it.
2007-08-17 00:53:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋