Not to get too far off topic.
public transit > than private transport via auto, imo. I would seriously consider giving up the freedom a car affords if I could get to work and a select number of prime location via transit in my area. Imaging being able to read and/or otherwise be productive during your commute vs. stressed out in stop and go traffic? not to mention the financial burden cars essentially enslave us to. these factors mute or override the freedom aspect for me.
I don't think humans have evolved to the point that most of us can handle several tons of metal zooming along at 60+ mph on a daily basis. We are too reactive, emotional, and otherwise unpredictable. Sleep deprivation, concentration, general emotional state, not including medications, etc, all put together make for a bad mix. That being said most of us are stuck with it, for better or for worse.
For what it's worth, my thoughts go out to Alex and friends.