One survey shows that eight in 10 respondents wish they had some way other than their vehicles to get around, meaning that if you enjoy being behind the wheel – you’re in the minority.
Another report says close to seven in 10 Americans—66%—say they experience anxiety when driving, while 55% experience anxiety by merely performing basic driving maneuvers.
If you live and breathe everything automotive, you might be surprised to learn how many people wish they were anywhere else but behind the wheel.
Some Car Guys and Gals Are Having Misgivings
While car guys and gals typically enjoy the automotive space—taking the good with the bad—they’re becoming increasingly concerned about developments that may turn their enthusiasm into ire. Keep reading to see 15 things dampening car enthusiasts’ enthusiasm.
Endless Traffic Jams
The average U.S. driver spent 51 hours in traffic in 2022. That works out to approximately one hour weekly. With places to go, people to see, and things to do, who has the time to sit in traffic?
Unfortunately, some roads and highways resemble shopping mall parking lots, which can get on anyone’s last nerve. It’s the sort of thing that can take the joy out of the hearts of even the most passionate car enthusiasts.
Slow Drivers in the Fast Lane
If there’s one thing that annoys automotive enthusiasts to no end, it’s fellow drivers who don’t know or respect the rules of the road. Slow drivers who refuse to remain in the right lane are among the most annoying motorists. Everyone with a driver’s license knows that proper on-the-road etiquette calls for staying in the right lane—or at least moving to the right lane if someone wants to pass in the left lane.
Aggressive Drivers
While people don’t like being on the receiving end of aggressive driving, many don’t mind dishing it out. One source notes that 82% of motorists in the U.S. acknowledge engaging in road rage or aggressive driving at least once over the past year. Aggressive drivers who tailgate, brake check, or weave in and out of lanes can make driving less enjoyable.
Overreliance on Safety Tech
Many car enthusiasts lament the intrusion of overly paternalistic driver assistance technology. While things like blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning can be useful, they can also make driving boring and less engaging.
Touchscreen Controls
We’re living in a touchscreen world, so that’s something that motorists have to get used to. But many car enthusiasts wish that automakers would include some buttons, knobs, and switches. Who, after all, wants to use a touchscreen to adjust the fan speed?
Lack of Manual Transmission Options
Would it surprise you to learn that a mere 18% of U.S. drivers can drive a manual vehicle? That’s enough to get on the nerves of car enthusiasts who prefer stick shift over automatic.
Silent Electric Cars
While many car enthusiasts accept that electric vehicles are here to stay, they don’t necessarily like that they’re so quiet. If you’re used to the sound of a gas engine purring like a kitten under the hood, it might be hard to accept a way-too-quiet EV. And, no, the fake sounds generated by some EVs won’t cut it, even if they are composed by Hans Zimmer (BMW – we’re looking at you).
Heavy SUVs Dominating Roads
The roads and highways are dominated by big vehicles. If you drive a sedan or hatchback, you might not appreciate seeing so many large trucks, SUVs, and crossovers that take up so much space and make visibility challenging on the road.
Rising Fuel Prices
Yet another thing that has made car enthusiasts start to hate driving is rising fuel prices. If prices are so high that you must scale back on your outings, that can get annoying and reduce your ability to enjoy life.
Parking Challenges
It can get frustrating to find parking in some places, and another thing compounding the situation is finding parking at reasonable rates. Many parking options gouge consumers. It can make driving more of a pain and less of a pleasure.
Constant Construction
Another thing that upsets car enthusiasts and drains the joy out of driving is constant construction. Depending on where you live, there might be road works or construction for much of the year. The frequent lane closures, detours, and heavy traffic can get tiring really quickly.
Push for Autonomous Vehicles
While fully autonomous vehicles requiring no human involvement are still a ways off, things are headed in that direction. Some carmakers include self-driving features, so car enthusiasts see the writing on the wall. People who love to drive don’t want to be passive drivers.
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is a problem. In 2019, for example, around 424,000 were injured, and north of 3,100 were killed in crashes involving distracted motorists. Considering how many people text, comb their hair, play with their pets, consume food, and do other things behind the wheel, it’s no wonder why so many car enthusiasts worry about their safety.
High Insurance Costs
Getting a nice car and facing high monthly premiums can make it seem like you’re being punished for having a nice vehicle. That can make driving what you want burdensome and cost-prohibitive.
Increased Surveillance
Red light cameras, police radar guns, and other surveillance tactics can make car guys and gals feel like they’re in a police state. It’s hard to enjoy driving around and about when constantly looking over your shoulder.
Some Things Can Make Driving a Chore
While there are car guys and gals who love automotive culture, some things about hitting the roads threaten to steal that joy. Unfortunately, many of these problems are unavoidable since they involve other drivers you can’t control. But there are still plenty of positives, so the best car enthusiasts can do to keep their sanity is to see the cup as half full rather than half empty.
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