The observation you see is that most people are used to running from car to house, from Mall to car. They are often "trained" to know that the warmth/light/protection is just a few feet away.

If you have done SAR, or been out in the boonies or just anyplace where if you don't have it on you then you DON'T have it. Me, I carry more than I need and I don't care..

Though my due diligence has a tendency to backfire on me as my friends just expect me to have everything THEY need on me.. I do have to remind them that I am not there utility belt.