Being a person who doesn’t have a car is often seen as ‘incapable’, even being judged by those closest to them.
But for some Australians, not having a car has an unexpected advantage.
Among them, there were those who did not buy a car, there were also those who had difficulty obtaining a driver’s license.
“It took 11 years to get it,” said Fankie May.
“I have two kids who also don’t have a driver’s license, but I can still arrange a time to take them and everything is fine,” added Frankie.
Frankie says everything will be fine, even if there’s no driver’s license and no car.
The same was said by Mel, another Australian who claimed to have visited four states in Australia, namely South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.
“I’ve never driven. We’ll get used to what we have and will adapt.”
No need for a car, because there are many alternatives
There are also Australians who are fortunate not to own a car, because it means they don’t have to pay for gas, insurance and other car-related needs.
“I can’t afford to buy a car, gas or vehicle registration, so why do I have a driver’s license?” said one resident in Australia who calls himself “Autumn Summers”.
“Cars are a burden. Especially now that there are many other alternatives, especially those who live in urban areas. There are electric scooters, electric bicycles … you can also walk or take public transportation,” explained Uras Tus.
Even according to Jacinta Helen, living without a car also benefits the environment.
“If we can manage to live without a car and driver’s license, of course this is doable and makes sense, both economically and environmentally,” said Jacinta Helen.
Considered ‘incapable’
Several of the Australians who spoke to the ABC said they were often judged for not owning a vehicle or not driving.
“Most judgmental people live privileged lives, so would never feel for people who don’t have parents or families who don’t have cars,” says Vaela Rose.
Jo Melican admits that he suffers from epilepsy and was only able to drive himself at the age of 33.
“Over the years other people have judged me for not being able to afford it. To be honest I wish I could have gotten a driver’s license sooner too, especially living in a remote town.”
Meanwhile, Tess Morante says she doesn’t drive because she has bad anxiety.
“A lot of people judge me and they don’t understand … but because they are lucky people they don’t have the anxiety that I do,” says Tess.
There are also those who choose not to drive a car for the safety of themselves and others.
“There must be a lot of people who don’t want me to drive on the street, because I have memory and vision problems,” said Mey Wijaya.
“Some people choose not to drive because it is their choice, because they know they don’t have to drive,” explains Megan Barker.
Translated from ABC Everyday report
2023-05-09 07:51:21
#Australians #car #choice
