> This is important: the really painful part of being stuck in traffic is not, really, the actual amount of time that it takes to get from Point A to Point B. Rather, it’s the “stuck” bit.
I've noticed this tends to not matter so much if you're not the one driving, more so if you're in the backseat. Self-drive cars anyone?
No thanks, I love to drive. Even as ridiculous as other drivers can be, I love to drive.
Driving brings with it challenges. Strategy, skill, timing, spacial recognition, etc. It also brings with it a pure feeling of freedom. I believe driving is under-appreciated and that leads to the terrible driving habits exhibited daily. Those who dont care, those who arent even driving but day dreaming, doing makeup, reading, using the phone, etc. It is under-appreciation coupled with lack of respect for being in control of a 2000LB+ piece of metal and fuel that can make driving seem like a chore rather than a joy.
The stress of commuting isn't from the physical act of driving, but from having to negotiate a crowded space. Regardless if it's a highway, bus, or a sidewalk, when you're in a crowd, you're forced to play a zero-sum game with the people around you. Even in cultures where people don't drive, the commute is listed as one of the largest stresses people experience.
Self-driving cars are great because for the first time, you have a machine that commutes for you. There's no competition to get in the car, no competition to sit down in the car, and once the car starts moving, you don't have to care about how the car navigates the competition on the road.
It's true that on the large scale, it's less efficient than public transportation, but on an individual level, it's the best option.
>The stress of commuting isn't from the physical act of driving, but from having to negotiate a crowded space. Regardless if it's a highway, bus, or a sidewalk, when you're in a crowd, you're forced to play a zero-sum game with the people around you.
I disagree. The stress from driving doesn't come just from navigating a crowded space. It comes from the potential consequences of making mistakes. If I bump into someone walking on foot, it's no problem. Once I'm on a bus/train/etc. you have your own space. Granted, it might not be a lot of space, and sometimes it might be uncomfortable, but it's hardly stressful.
Bumping into another car when driving is a completely different beast. Now I need to deal with insurance companies, and it might cost me a lot of money. Or I hit something inanimate and I'm still doing a lot of damage to my car. That's where the stress comes from.
I've noticed this tends to not matter so much if you're not the one driving, more so if you're in the backseat. Self-drive cars anyone?