Vehicle-dependent

Characterizing a lifestyle, community, or infrastructure that relies heavily on personal automobiles for transportation. This dependence often arises due to factors such as sprawling suburban development, limited public transportation options, inadequate pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and geographic distances between residential areas, workplaces, and essential services. Consequently, vehicle-dependent areas can experience increased traffic congestion, air pollution, higher transportation costs, and limited accessibility for individuals without access to a car.

Vehicle-dependent meaning with examples

• The suburban sprawl has created a vehicle-dependent community where residents are forced to drive to reach almost every destination. This has resulted in significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, and contributed to higher levels of air pollution affecting the local and regional air quality. It also adds a financial burden for transportation needs.
• Implementing effective public transportation options is crucial to reduce the vehicle-dependent nature of the city. Such initiatives will provide people with an alternative, cost-effective travel system with the added benefits of reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions. Promoting sustainable travel creates a more environment-friendly area.
• Older adults living in the retirement community find themselves increasingly vehicle-dependent due to limited public transport and walking amenities. This lack of accessibility and independent mobility poses a concern for social isolation and difficulty in accessing medical appointments, shopping, and social events, affecting quality of life.
• The development's design with its wide roads and ample parking reinforces the area's vehicle-dependent design. This means there is limited walkability or opportunities for using public transport, making it very inconvenient for residents without access to personal vehicles. This increases reliance on driving.
• Areas facing a vehicle-dependent model have a much larger carbon footprint as the use of cars, SUVs, and trucks has to be done for the residents of this region. This reliance also adds to greenhouse gases, impacting local and global environmental health. This has a large effect of impacting the ecological impact.