Whether you’ve got a long commute to work or you’re taking a trip, you may wonder if traveling by car is worth it. Ultimately, it will depend on weighing the advantages and disadvantages of this popular mode of transportation to see if it benefits you.
Some people prefer driving while others would rather sit back and let someone else do it. Depending on where you’re going and your timeline, you may decide to take the drive or get there in another way.
Advantages of Traveling by Car
Here are the positive aspects of driving to your destination:
Greater Flexibility
If you’re taking a road trip, you have more options when you go by car. You can stop wherever you want and even take a detour if something looks interesting. If you’re depending on a plane, train, or other shared transportation, you’ll have to abide by the rules of those modes of transport. You’ll also have to be there on time for your departure or sit around waiting if it is running late.
No Baggage Rules
For travel, you have to abide by a baggage or weight limit when you travel by plane or train. When you drive yourself, you don’t have official regulations about how much your bags weigh or how large they are.
Great Views
Even while you’re driving, you’ll get to revel in the splendor of the scene that rolls by your windows. It’s easy to forget just how beautiful nature can be, or how peaceful it is once you leave the confines of your city. Driving will help you slow down and savor the beauty in the world.
Easier to Bring Furry Friends
If you have a pet you’re taking along for the journey, driving will be the easiest for both of you. You won’t have to deal with fees or regulations and can stop whenever you need to walk and get some exercise.
It May Be Cheaper Depending on Your Destination
While it’s not always the case, you may find that driving to your destination is cheaper, even when you account for gas and any tolls. The costs may be even lower if you’re splitting the expenses with your travel companions, which may mean you’ll all have more money to spend and enjoy once you reach your destination.
Disadvantages of Traveling by Car
Traveling by car is not a perfect means of transportation in every situation. Here’s where you may find it poses some disadvantages:
It’s Exhausting
If you’ve ever spent hours behind the wheel, then you know how exhausting it can be. The longer the distance, the more you should plan on stopping at intervals to take breaks and get enough rest. You may wind up feeling too tired to enjoy your vacation or look sleepy during a business meeting. You also have a long drive back home that will leave you feeling even more drained than when you first hit the road.
Driving Through All Kinds of Weather
Getting there may be half the fun unless your journey is riddled with nasty weather. Planes and trains can be effortless, but what happens when you’re on the road and it begins raining or snowing? Inclement weather can slow you down quite a bit.
Detours and Other Drama
Sometimes, you’ll plan your entire route only to find that while you’re driving it, life happens. You may find that the ramp to access the highway is closed and now you’ll have to spend time trying to reroute. Wildfires and other unforeseen circumstances may also close your intended route.
Added Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle
Owning a vehicle means you need to expect a certain level of wear and tear as you put new miles onto it. If your vehicle is older and higher in mileage, you may want to consider if it’s worth the drive. Few things could be worse than having your car break down in the middle of nowhere.
Finding and Paying for Parking
Often for those who debate driving to work or taking public transit, it may not be the commute that is the problem. It may be the high parking fees, or if you can find a parking spot without driving around for 20 minutes.
Wasted Time
When you drive, you must pay attention to the road at all times. You can certainly sing along to your favorite songs or talk to anyone in the car with you for the drive, but that’s very limiting. If you have a long commute by train to get to your job, it may be worth it since you can get work done while you are in transit.
It’s Slower
Driving for long distances is the slowest mode of transportation. It may be fine if you want to take your family on a road trip and make stops along the way when something catches your interest. However, flying will always get you there much more quickly when you have great distances to travel.
More Potential for Accidents
A vacation, business trip, or commute to the city from the suburbs puts you in a greater position for an accident when you travel by car. There are more vehicles than ever on the road today, and it would be next to impossible to travel any distance without seeing at least one accident.
Even the best drivers may find themselves caught in an accident. On long-haul drives, you could end up in a crash with a semi-truck or on a pileup on a highway out of state. In that situation, you’ll end up needing an attorney to help you understand your legal options.
A car accident can happen anywhere, even just around the corner from your home. This is why weighing your options about traveling by car is a smart move. Sometimes, driving is the better choice, while other times, you may be better off taking another mode of transportation.
