AAA Survey Reveals American Driving Habits

Americans drove a distance equivalent to 500 round trips to Neptune in 2023

(September 3, 2024) - The newly released 2023 American Driving Survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety highlights a shift in how people in the United States drive after the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey reveals that overall driving patterns have stabilized after pandemic disruptions. Highlights from the 2023 American Driving Survey include:

• The percentage of Americans who drove at least occasionally remained steady at 95.3% 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 (31.1%) while commuting to and from work comprised 22.5% of driving trips.
• Projecting nationwide, drivers made 229 billion driving trips and spent 95 billion hours driving, totaling 2.7 trillion miles in 2023

Safety Concerns with Older Vehicles

The increased use of newer vehicles for longer trips is positive as they typically come equipped with advanced safety features. However, the survey raises concerns as 40% of trips involve vehicles older than ten years. These vehicles often lack modern safety features and if they are in poor mechanical condition, could potentially contribute to a higher risk of crashes.

About the AAA Foundation

Established in 1947 by AAA, the Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users.

About AAA Mountain West Group

AAA Mountain West Group (AAA MWG) is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. AAA MWG delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA MWG is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.