The News From Sprawl Is Not Good

Given the widespread public transit closings in the 48 hours before Hurricane Sandy, it could be argued that one advantage of a car-centric society is that cars enable quick evacuation (assuming that people aren't stuck in traffic).

On the other hand, New Yorkers are learning that their cars might be useless after a hurricane.  Sandy damaged ports and oil refineries, thus keeping gasoline away from gas stations, thus causing a gasoline shortage.  To make matters worse, many suburban gas stations are closed due to lack of power.