No, they didn't. The advent of the automobile gave people greater freedom to travel, not less.
No one wants to die due to the incompetence of someone else. Unfortunately, that is a risk we must all accept in order to live in a free society. And I'd much rather accept that physical risk than the far greater risks to liberty associated with giving up my freedom to travel where I choose, when I choose.
AND HAVING THE CAR PERFORM A MINDLESS TASK OF DRIVING ME TO WORK WOULD GIVE ME MORE FREEDOM!
AND HAVING THE CAR PERFORM A MINDLESS TASK OF DRIVING ME TO WORK WOULD GIVE ME MORE FREEDOM!