"IN 'DRIVING THE INFO HIGHWAY' [October 2001], Steven Ashley discusses the potential problems of safety and privacy raised by the introduction of telematics into passenger vehicles," writes John A. Dawson of Bala Cynwyd, Pa. "But what of the larger societal transitions that may accompany such a move? Is it not likely that by making driving time more productive and enjoyable, we would increase the vehicle-miles driven on our streets and highways, thereby adding to congestion and travel times? Induced travel and the resulting stimulation of suburban sprawl are the primary reasons that new highways commonly provide only short-term traffic relief. And what would be the effect on mass transit? Would we be encouraging those who now commute by train or bus to switch to a single-occupant vehicle? There are implications here for land use, preservation of older communities, energy consumption, air quality, and further separation of the haves from the have-nots in our society. Encouraging the use of private passenger vehicles may not be an unmitigated good."

Take a trip from the universe to New Orleans to the shower in the October 2001 letters below.

This article was originally published with the title Letters.

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