The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has released its 2023 American Driving Survey, providing insights into US daily driving trends after the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey reveals that overall driving patterns have rebounded from the depths of the pandemic.
The percentage of Americans who drove at least occasionally remained steady at just over 95 per cent compared to 2022. Driving trips averaged slightly less than 2.5 per day, with a duration of just over an hour and nearly 30 miles.
Most driving trips in 2023 were undertaken to run errands, about 31 per cent, while commuting to and from work comprised of just over 22 per cent of driving trips – continuing the trends observed in the past two years.
The survey also found people living in metropolitan areas and those with higher education levels tend to drive newer vehicles.
The AAA said an increased use of newer vehicles for longer trips was positive as they typically come equipped with advanced safety features.
However, the survey raised concerns as nearly 40 per cent of trips involved vehicles older than ten years, which the AAA said often lacked modern safety features and may be in poorer mechanical condition, potentially contributing to a higher risk of crashes.
