Survey Shows Driving Patterns Stabilizing, but Safety Concerns for Older Cars Persist

SAN ANGELO, TX - A recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that while driving habits in the U.S. have stabilized after the COVID-19 pandemic, safety issues related to older vehicles remain a concern.

The 2023 American Driving Survey reveals that 95.3% of Americans drove at least occasionally in 2023, with an average of 2.43 daily trips, covering 29.1 miles and spending just over an hour on the road. The report highlights that travel patterns have rebounded, with most daily trips aimed at running errands or commuting.

However, the survey also points to safety issues linked to older vehicles. Nearly 40% of trips involved cars older than 10 years, which often lack modern safety features. These vehicles are more commonly driven in the Midwest, West, and South and are more likely to be used by teenagers and people with lower education levels.

Demographic trends also emerged from the survey, with Hispanic and Latino drivers recording the highest number of driving hours and distances compared to other ethnic groups. Men, in particular, were noted to spend significantly more time behind the wheel than women in 2023.

While the return to regular driving habits is encouraging, AAA warns that the increased use of older vehicles could contribute to a higher risk of crashes, as these cars may be in poorer mechanical condition and lack the advanced safety technologies present in newer models.

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