Overall driving patterns rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2023, according to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The percentage of U.S. drivers on the roads occasionally remained steady at 95.3% compared to 2022, while driving trips averaged slightly less than 2.5 per day, with a duration of just over an hour and nearly 30 miles.

“The increased use of newer vehicles for longer trips is positive as they typically come equipped with advanced safety features,” AAA said in the report. “However, the survey raises concerns as nearly 40% of trips involve vehicles older than ten years.These vehicles often lack modern safety features and may be in poorer mechanical condition, potentially contributing to a higher risk of crashes.”

Data compiled by AAA shows drivers in the Midwest, West, and South were likelier to drive older vehicles than those in the Northeast. At the same time, teenagers and those with lower education are more likely to drive older vehicles.

According to AAA, respondents who were divorced or separated and those who were never married were more likely to drive older vehicles than those who were married.

Insights from the study include:

• In 2023, over 31% of driving trips were running errands.
• Commuting to and from work comprised 22.5%.
• Over 26% of driving trips began between 11 a.m. and 2:59 p.m.
• Over 27% of driving trips began between 3 p.m. and 6:59 p.m.
• Just over 6% of driving trips began between 3 a.m. and 6:59 a.m.
• Only 4.5% of driving trips began between 11 p.m. and 2:59 a.m.

See also:

• Top states for distracted driving fatalities in 2024
• Auto, property insurance shopping booms in third quarter 2024
• Fall, nights among the most dangerous times for drivers