What will happen with no more cars?

Question

Its proven that the automobile shaped the landscape of america, roads highways etc. So if gas prices continue to go up, and people flat out stop driving, whats gonna happen?

Obviously we will have to find other modes of transporation. Trains, bikes, etc. People will be forced to become more active, so nationwide obesity and health problems will plumit, but whats gonna happen to out towns? My local grocery store is ten mins away, and thats thirty if you walk or ride a bike...

Answer 1

people will get smart and work much closer to home, or live closer to work. maybe mom and pop groceries will make a slight comeback.

Answer 2

Well, to answer your question in realistic terms, Americans WILL NOT stop driving.  Its in our blood (apparently :) ).  So guess what would happen? Enter hydrogen and electric cars.  Hydrogen is a lot less viable than electric, but since it requires refueling at a "gas" station it seems the most likely replacement so "oil" companies can stay in business.  Just wait 10 years, we will temporarily shift to public transport until alternative fuels and the vehicles that use them increase in numbers, and thus we return to the days of big SUV's, except without emissions or funding terrorists.  Hope this answers your question.

Answer 3

Your base assumption is that we will stop driving - completely.

That is NOT going to happen.  The people of Europe are poor compared to Americans yet they still have over $10 per gallon - already and still drive.

Good Luck...