Columnist and commentator Peter Hitchens has voiced strong criticism of modern society's reliance on cars, describing it as a "dangerous madness" in a recent commentary coinciding with the release of his new book, 'The Madness of Cars.' Hitchens argues that the widespread adoption of mass car ownership has led to a detrimental dependence, making individuals question their ability to function without personal vehicles.
Hitchens contends that cars are inherently less efficient than rail travel, citing that a steel wheel on a rail is approximately 30 times more efficient. He also points to the negative consequences of car dependency, including health issues like heart disease and fatal accidents, as well as damage to the natural landscape.
The author advocates for a societal re-evaluation of this car-centric approach. He urges a return to prioritizing and rebuilding the railway systems that he believes were "foolishly thrown away." This call to action suggests a need to shift away from an obsession with automobiles and reinvest in safer and more efficient forms of transportation.