well, those people thought it would be unfair for them to flee with their car when there are people who can't flee because they don't have cars. So, make things equal and feel good about themsleves, they decided not to drive the car.
It's twisted logic but it works for them.
The cars likely have empty gas tanks.. yah, that's it! Checks come on the 1st of the month.. they had no money for gas. Bush's fault!