Cars are as dangerous as cigarettes to the addicted

QUOTE:

You could say car ownership is an addiction. While there are all sorts of benefits to owning a car, it is a habit that is very difficult to break as it is so alluring, with door-to-door journeys at the time of your choice, sitting in the safety of a metal box, lots of freedom to travel wherever and whenever. Car ownership is a ‘right’ like smoking was a ‘right’.

But car use also comes with huge health risks. Cars are killing machines for their occupants who are at risk of obesity and many other health issues. Cars contribute to air pollution. Road injuries involving cars create much human tragedy.

Active travel (cycling and walking) on the other hand is associated with reduction in ill health and prolongation of life, and believe it or not, little injury. This is all supported by compelling research evidence.

The health parallel to stopping smoking is getting out of cars and walking or cycling instead. And, like smoking, this requires action on many fronts. Fiscal measures might include increased fuel taxes, workplace parking levies, and subsidies on public transport.

Legislation might include compulsory cycle training in the national curriculum, and taking road space away from cars. What about advertising? Wouldn’t it be good if it was banned so that we are no longer subjected to endless adverts at the cinema? And of course, the car industry plays dirty like the tobacco industry.

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/161...rs_used_to_be/