I just learned today that Liam Neeson didn't get his driver's license until he was 30. It seems like such a bizarre thing to not drive, especially in America where few communities have adequate public transportation. But I don't drive either. My family has a history of late-driving and no-driving. My sister doesn't drive. My aunt (who got her license at 26) has a car for emergencies but walks everywhere she has to.And as it turns out, we're not the only ones. Apparently car sales to people under 35 are down 30%.
People tell me I need a car. They tell me I should be driving. Why? I walk to work. I walk to the store. Exercise is good for you. When I travel I take the Greyhound--why stress yourself by driving for 12 hours when you can take a Dramamine and wake up in your destination? Or read a book, or (on very rare occasions--this is the bus after all) get to know a stranger.
I take great pride in shaping my life to spend as little money as possible. I do have a vehicle. It's a motor scooter, which gets about 60 miles to the gallon and costs less than $10 a month to insure. It's great for zipping around town, and I have driven it for long distances, but to be honest I'd rather not. It's cheaper to maintain than buying a city bus pass every month. I even ride it in the winter as long as the roads are clear.
If I had a car I would still walk to work and the store. To be honest, I don't go many other places. I'm a quiet sort of person. I don't need a car. If I'm going somewhere interesting I'm probably going with another person, and they usually have a car, so why should I waste the money on one just sitting around? (Don't worry-I always chip in for gas.)
My world does not require four wheels and extra seats.
