A recent study has uncovered a clear connection between heavy reliance on cars and a decline in life satisfaction, with a tipping point observed when car use exceeds 50% of daily activities.
While moderate car use can improve overall happiness, excessive dependence appears to erode wellbeing.
The tipping point: 50% car use
The research focused on adults living in urban and suburban areas, revealing a "threshold effect" where car dependence begins to impact life satisfaction negatively.
The study indicates that relying on a car for more than half of out-of-home activities marks the point where satisfaction begins to drop.
Lead author Rababe Saadaoui noted, "Using a car just sometimes increases life satisfaction but, if you have to drive much more than this, people start reporting lower levels of happiness."
She added, "Extreme car dependence comes at a cost, to the point that the downsides outweigh the benefits."
Why car dependence can reduce happiness
For those in sprawling suburbs or rural areas, cars often become an unavoidable necessity.
However, the study suggests that the drawbacks of heavy reliance on vehicles - including stress from traffic congestion, financial burdens, and time lost commuting—begin to overshadow their conveniences.
Conversely, occasional car use tends to enhance satisfaction by offering flexibility and freedom without dominating daily life.
A call for smarter urban planning
The study advocates for urban planners and policymakers to prioritise "multimodality" and better land-use patterns.
These approaches aim to reduce car dependence by improving public transport infrastructure, creating walkable neighbourhoods, and integrating cycling options.
While relocation might seem like an easy solution, it's often impractical for most individuals. Instead, systemic changes in how cities and suburbs are designed could offer more sustainable and satisfying lifestyles.
Balancing mobility and wellbeing
This research highlights the fine balance required in urban mobility planning. While cars will likely remain essential for many, reducing over-reliance through smarter urban design could lead to happier, healthier communities.
For city planners, the takeaway is clear: creating environments where cars are an option rather than a necessity could significantly improve quality of life for residents.