Why Are We Driving Less?

Long Island may not look like the amount of drivers on the road have decreased based on the looks of the rush hour traffic and the bustling gas stations, but according to a recent study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Americans are driving less.

For the first time ever, there is a steady decline in the amount of driving done in the U.S. since 2004.  In 2011, the most recent year data is available; the average licensed driver had 12,492 miles behind the wheel, which is down 8.9 percent from 2010. 

While the recession has had an effect on the auto industry and the population’s driving habits, the steady decline began 4 years prior, confirming that it is not only due to a decrease in income.

Younger generations (ages 16-34) have been foregoing their right of passage-- earning a drivers license. In 2010, 26% of this age group were not licensed drivers, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Here are 4 trends that may be contributing to the decline in driving.

 1.     More people can work from home due to new technologies in telecommunications.

2.     Trains, buses, subways, and ferries are becoming more popular and are proving to be more economical

3.     The populations of cities are increasing and residents do not need cars to get around

4.     As more baby boomers are retiring, less members of that generation are driving to and from work each day.

Are you or anyone you know driving less by relying on public transportation or working from home? Are you a teen or young adult hat doesn’t drive, or do you know someone in the age group that does not have a driver’s license? If so comment below!

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