The coronavirus pandemic has certainly meant that many hitherto free-spirited and adventurous Americans find themselves locked in unable to explore. However, while most Americans were ordered to stay indoors, I was out cleansing my spirit and Lungs by hiking on the Appalachian Trail in New York.
I have already been cautioned of my craving for adventure by a few friends. However, one begins to wonder if a supermarket detour means that we are being stupid, selfish or irresponsible. In these times, as Americans struggle to understand the many conflicting prescriptions and rules in their quest to do the right thing, it becomes imperative as to what the ethics of driving in this period are.
coronavirus america
This is a vital question for people who see driving beyond just an economic necessity. For people such as this, driving is as important as food to the stomach. In a Coronavirus period where caution has been redefined, the seemingly best caution to take is to stay at home. However, with about 276 million cars registered in America, it becomes a struggle keeping them put. If you are a pleasure driver, the temptation to hit the road would be very obvious to you. Hitherto clogged roads now look like Formula one race tracks. Also, the police are not as aggressive in enforcing traffic laws as they used to.
One begins to reach out for moral counsel in this regard. Most parents are not letting their kids drive except it is necessary. Even though some regions recognize the freedom of the road as enshrined in the constitution, legal experts have come out to say that states have a wide reach of authority when it comes to restricting driving during a crisis or in this case a pandemic.
For instance, many states have created roadway checkpoints to limit the influx of people who are non-residents while ensuring that they quarantine. People are being encouraged to stay at home and avoid traveling unnecessarily.
However, in New York and some other places, driving is largely a function of our consciences. Being locked down is designed for our good. A lot of work-related driving is basically by law and logic. Several essential occupations may not easily be considered at first, but when the situation becomes essential, we begin to better appreciate them.
As it stands, it seems our cars are doing better than us in this pandemic. As it stands, the issue is not fuel shortage but one of social distancing. It seems people need to go outside for their mental and physical health. Are there risks involved with driving cars? Probably! But they shouldn’t be an issue of concern for EMTs. Life itself is filled with risks, but that doesn’t stop us from living it to the fullest.
Human beings are social creatures by default and not robots and that’s why our major ethical solutions have to be determined by the community.
The intimacy and interconnectedness help in defining the crisis, they also make solutions to be quite complicated. Every business handshake, one-to-one interactions all count. As it stands, the world needs to get things back in order so we can return to our normal lives. Without a doubt, when people hit the road again, it will be legendary!
