Fortunately, there were no injuries. However, the incident remains vivid in my mind, especially now that my daughter is only three years away from potentially hitting the road herself. It brought me some relief to read in the New York Times recently that an increasing number of teenagers are opting for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft instead of going through the DMV.
According to a study from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute cited by the Times, the proportion of 16-year-olds holding a driver’s license in the U.S. dropped to 28% in 2010, down from 46% in 1983. Brandon Schoettle, a co-author of the study, suggests that the availability of rideshare apps is a significant factor. “The ease of using Uber and Lyft likely outweighs the expenses associated with car ownership,” he noted. “Smartphones have also made it much simpler to request a ride from friends or taxi services.”
I understand the concerns surrounding teenagers using rideshare apps. However, I fully support this shift, primarily for the safety aspects it offers. A recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that 60% of car accidents involving teenagers are attributed to distracted driving. While around 40% of teen drivers recognize that texting while behind the wheel is dangerous, another study highlighted by NPR showed that these same teens often engage in activities like changing clothes, applying makeup, or even doing homework while driving.
Wait, what? I appreciate multitasking, but if my child can delegate the driving to an Uber driver while she catches up on her studies or gets ready, I would completely endorse that decision. And if she wants to manage all of that before leaving the house, I’m all for it too.
This article originally appeared on April 16, 2015.
For more insights, check out our other blog posts, including this one about home insemination kits and learn about essential baby care solutions at this link. Additionally, find valuable information related to pregnancy and home insemination at this excellent source.
In summary, as rideshare apps become more prevalent, they may serve as a safer, more convenient alternative for teenagers than traditional driving, especially in light of the distractions associated with being behind the wheel.