"Thank You Los Angeles": The Carmageddon That Wasn't

So L.A.'s much announced Carmageddon didn't happen; the closure of a ten mile stretch of the 405 freeway from Friday night until mid Sunday did not bring gridlock and mayhem to this city of ten million car addicts. Instead, those who were out and about found streets and highways more empty than usual.

L.A. officially thanked its residents for being cooperative and keeping the car parked. As of lunch time on Sunday the electronic signs along the freeways which had been warning drivers to expect big delays during the weekend showed a new message: "405 open. Thank you Los Angeles". Very nice. You're welcome.

The Carmageddon that wasn't reminded me of Y2K, another catastrophe averted. Both not-events show that preparation is key. The blow we can see coming will not throw us for a loop as easily as the one which takes us by surprise. In Los Angeles, proof of this is one major earth quake away.

As far as the addiction goes - does the fact that we can leave our cars in the driveway for a weekend prove that we are not dependent upon our vehicles? Hardly. Most alcoholics can go without a drink for a day or two - as long as they know they'll get the bottle back after that. Hm. How about one Carmageddon day a month?

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