From the article: The population of the United States is almost entirely car-dependent, and relies on markets that control oil import, refining, and distribution. They also rely on continuous public investment in road construction and repair. The cars themselves require a steady stream of imported parts, and are not designed to last very long. When these intricately interconnected systems stop functioning, much of the population will find itself stranded.
I've seen this sentiment before, referenced indirectly from this forum:
Potholes may well be the singular measure of the calamity we are in or about to face. -- http://www.kunstler.com/Grunt_SouthAfrica.html