5 reasons to (not) drive a car this year

To drive or not, not everyone has a choice. However, some prefer to do without the car and use the train, bicycle or other means of transport.

Even if you as a car enthusiast prefer to cover your daily kilometers in a nice car, driving a car also has its disadvantages. Do the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?

Five reasons to (not) drive a car this year

1. A car is expensive

The first reason not to drive a car in 2023 is of course the price. For example, taxes and gas will become more expensive and your car will also need maintenance. Here’s how, if possible, you can save money by getting rid of your car.

2. Lots of traffic jams

In the Netherlands you often find yourself stuck in traffic jams or, as the ANWB calls it, in a “permanent traffic jam”. “The total of nine million vehicles are increasingly used simultaneously, which means that we drive bumper to bumper more often,” says Arnoud Broekhuis of ANWB Traffic Information. As a result, your trip may take longer than planned and another option may be faster.

3. Not environmentally friendly

Standing in traffic also costs more fuel than just being able to keep driving. If you want a green option, you shouldn’t choose a car anyway. Both the production and use of a car cause a lot of CO2 emissions. Even if your car is electric. If you generate the electricity for your EV green, then of course it is different.

4. Public transport very crowded

Although public transport is a greener option, the crowds on the trains have been unpredictable over the past year. This is partly due to the lack of staff. Apart from tickets getting more expensive, there is no real solution yet. However, the train can offer a solution on your route.

5. Less comfort

Not everyone lives near public transport. If you walk or bike to the nearest stop or station, you may get wet from a heavy downpour. Even if many will say “you can dress against that”, the way to public transport is of course a lot more uncomfortable than driving a car.

Also, you can’t always sit on the trains due to the crowds, you don’t have a choice of who sits next to you, and the trains lack seat heaters and chargers. On the other hand, you can sit back and not have to be careful. However, you have to get out on time.