In the world of transportation, the question of car addiction is always brought to the fore. Why is it that people want to travel with the option of meeting their cars on the other end of the journey? The answer to that question can be explained with the psychology surrounding transportation. Many people opt to drive their cars to and from their various destinations despite mass transit systems, and popular bicycling. Vehicle shipping companies have also seen an increase in the demand for their services across the board. So, why is it that many drivers find it difficult to do without their cars?
Traffic Psychology
According to an article on Wikipedia, traffic psychology – otherwise known as mobility psychology – delves into the world of human’s relationship and thought processes with and regarding transportation. It is a relatively new branch of psychology which explores the study of the behavior of road users and the psychological processes underlying that behavior. According to Linda Steg, Conservation Psychologist at University of Groningen in the Netherlands,
“…when I interview people who were in traffic jams every day; they said the reason they drove was because they liked driving. It was more of a status symbol that something that was functional.”
This seems like a valid reason for people’s dependency on their wheels. But, what about the travelers’ need for autonomy? When traveling to other places, it’s great to be able to come and go as you please, no matter day or night. Not to mention, drivers of quality cars love to drive. Who doesn’t love to pull up to a stop light and have their car admired by folks on the street?
I’m driving and I’m shipping my car!
People’s attachment to their cars is a normal phenomenon. It is human nature to seek a feeling of accomplishment from our peers and society in general – herein lays the basis for the ‘status symbol’ component that Linda Steg suggests. Although functionality isn’t the primary reason why vacationers and relocating individuals want their cars with them, it is a factor. Thus, many ship their cars with a transport company whenever they need to travel across the country.
What Are The Benefits Then?
Moreover, the benefits to shipping your car to your vacation or business destination is that in most cases it is more cost effective, and better for the overall health of your car. So, to save time, cash, mileage, and to have peace of mind – car transport is the most viable option. Many people have figured this out and it shows in the increased demand for auto shipping services in the US and across the globe. So, the mobility psychology does explain why people love to drive and it also contributes to sustain a whole industry – the car transport industry.
