Americans love killing people
By derek moore
What does freedom mean to you? Is it the ability to vote or practice your religion? Or is it the autonomy to shape your own future? For some, freedom is defined by the ability to move freely, to travel without restriction. In the United States, this freedom is largely facilitated by the automobile, particularly the light truck—a category that includes pickup trucks and SUVs, designed to transport light loads. Automakers often portray these vehicles conquering wild terrains, symbolizing untamed freedom.
However, beyond their role in transporting people and goods, light trucks significantly harm the environment and endanger lives. Influenced by Detroit’s most powerful automakers, the Environmental Protection Agency has relaxed emission regulations for light trucks, allowing manufacturers to prioritize profit over the development of eco-friendly engines. Consequently, the design of these trucks and SUVs makes them three times more likely to kill a pedestrian compared to cars. This epidemic of traffic violence claimed 370,000 lives in the 2010s alone. In 2022, traffic collisions resulted in the deaths of 7,508 pedestrians, equivalent to almost 33 fully loaded Boeing 737-10 airplanes crashing with no survivors.
Fortunately, there is a solution that addresses environmental damage, traffic violence, congestion, noise pollution, and resource depletion: trains. Trains offer a form of transportation that preserves the freedom of movement without requiring individual car ownership. The ultimate freedom is not needing $11,000 per vehicle. Cars are draining the life from America.
Imagine this: you can close your eyes and rest while traveling wherever you want—emission-free and at a fraction of the cost. This vision is achievable with a robust train system, offering a sustainable and convenient alternative to car dependency in America. Trains receive their clean power from overhead lines, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike cars, trains don't expel particulate matter from rubber tires, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Not only are trains environmentally friendly, they are also wildly efficient. Trains can carry hundreds of passengers at once which reduces traffic congestion for those who chose to drive and the need for expensive road infrastructure.
Safety is another advantage. In 2022, there were a whopping 7 passenger deaths on trains compared to 42,795 traffic deaths. Trains are piloted by professional operators and constantly monitored by complex systems to Every western country in the world has seen the benefits of developing a passenger rail system except the United States. Countries connected by railways enjoy tight knit communities, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and enhanced quality of life. ensure complete safety. They are also just plain better than cars, and sometimes even airplanes. Wide and reclining seats, ample legroom, generous luggage room, large restrooms, and a bar on some trains trump even the largest of SUVs on the market today and the entire flying experience.