Updated: Aug. 19, 2023
Originally Published: April 16, 2023
It’s a memory that still lingers, but thankfully no one was harmed. Now, as my son approaches the age where he’ll soon be eligible for his own driver’s license, I can’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. However, it’s somewhat reassuring to know that more teens are opting for ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft instead of heading to the DMV.
According to a recent article in the New York Times, statistics from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute reveal a significant decline in the percentage of 16-year-olds obtaining driver’s licenses, plummeting from 46 percent in 1983 to just 28 percent in 2010. As Brandon Morgan, a researcher involved in the study, pointed out, the convenience of rideshare apps has made it easier to forgo car ownership altogether. “With services like Lyft and Uber readily available, many teens find it more practical than paying for a car,” he stated. “Plus, smartphones make hailing a ride a breeze.”
I understand the concerns surrounding teens using rideshare services, but I wholeheartedly support this shift, primarily for safety reasons. A report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that a staggering 60 percent of car accidents involving teenagers stem from distracted driving. While around 40 percent of teen drivers recognize that texting behind the wheel is dangerous, another study cited by NPR reveals that this same group is often guilty of multitasking—changing clothes, applying makeup, and even doing homework—all while driving.
Seriously? I’m all for multitasking, but if my kid prefers to let an Uber driver take the wheel while she catches up on her studies or gets ready for her day, I’m completely on board. And if she wants to do all those things before even leaving the house, I’m fine with that too.
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In summary, as rideshare services continue to grow in popularity among teens, it’s clear that the traditional driver’s license is becoming less necessary. The safety benefits alone make this trend worth embracing as we navigate the challenges of modern parenting.
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