Kelly Fisher

Fortress of solitude

Our vehicles are so much more than ‘just cars’; they’re safe spaces where we can entirely be ourselves.

Words: Kelly Fisher KellyFisher_ZA

Iscreamed in my car today. I cried in my car the other day. I sang loudly at the top of my voice last week, and I have a whole conversation with myself now and then; all within the confines of my car. But before you think I’ve lost the plot entirely, please check yourself; you can’t deny you have done the same or something similar.

Let’s rewind a bit. I recently stood in front of a magazine shelf in my local retail outlet and took stock of the magazines on display, especially the motoring titles, which make up a fair portion of what’s on the stand. And why, though? Vehicles are essentially inanimate objects.

I get travel magazines and why people buy these. I get why health magazines are appealing. So why are motoring magazines so popular, and why is the fan base so serious about the brands?

In the good old days of car forums, one dip into it would show how passionate people were (and are) about their vehicles and the companies they support. Car culture has been around since who knows when. From the streets of Nippon and the tarmac of the USA to the winding roads of South Africa, there is a deep love of cars worldwide.

So, my question at that magazine stand was: why are we so attached

KF

Kelly Fisher

After almost a decade as a motoring journalist, followed by some time in social media and marketing, Kelly found her way into PR. On the side, she dabbles in freelance writing, communications consulting, social media strategy, podcasting and more.

to our vehicles? Why do we buy motoring magazines and spit performance numbers with friends around the braai? Why do we place so much value on our cars? And I don’t mean monetary value.

For me, the answer is simple: my vehicle is my fortress of solitude. It’s the one place where I can truly be alone and scream when I’m frustrated, cry when I need a cry, sing entirely o key without feeling shy and talk to myself. Not only that, but cars are part of our memories. They’ve taken us to the first day of school and work, on family road trips, matric farewells, dates, and so much more.

There’s a meme about how the 10 minutes spent in your car in the shopping centre parking lot are the best moments of your life. It’s not wrong. Yes, there are better ways to spend that time, but those few minutes alone in the car before you hit the madness of the mall genuinely feel calm.

As a woman in SA, I have often felt unsafe outside. Getting into my car makes me feel safe again, even if it’s a false sense of security in real moments of danger. And after a long day in the o ce, it’s where I unwind on my way home.

My car has seen all sides of me. It’s seen me at my best, and it’s seen me at my worst. It holds my deepest secrets and my heart's burning desires. I know I’m not alone in treasuring the moments I get to drive my car. I’m sure it’s the same for many others.

Our vehicles are so much more than ‘just a car’. No, we can’t take it to the grave. But we can take it on the road to make memories. Next time you’re in your vehicle, take a moment to be thankful for this place of sanctuary. You can’t deny that it has been your safe space on more than one occasion. Or don’t. Maybe I am losing my mind a little. Am I? A