Fortunately, no one was injured, but the memory of that incident still lingers, especially now that my own daughter is only three years away from her own chance to hit the road. Recently, I found some comfort in a report by the New York Times highlighting that many teens are opting for rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft instead of getting their licenses.
According to a study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, the percentage of 16-year-olds with a driver’s license dropped from 46% in 1983 to just 28% in 2010. Brandon Schoettle, one of the study’s authors, suggested that the convenience of using apps like Lyft and Uber makes car ownership less appealing. “The ease of summoning a ride through a cellphone likely outweighs the costs associated with owning a vehicle,” he noted.
Sure, there’s been a fair share of discussions around the safety of teens using rideshare services. However, I wholeheartedly support this shift, especially when considering the safety implications. A recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that 60% of car accidents involving teenagers were due to distracted driving. While about 40% of teen drivers acknowledge that texting while driving is dangerous, another study highlighted by NPR found that many teens engage in other risky activities like changing clothes or applying makeup behind the wheel.
Are you serious? I appreciate multitasking as much as anyone, but if my daughter can use an Uber to finish her homework or change outfits without jeopardizing her safety, I’m all for it. And if she wants to do those things before stepping foot outside, that’s perfectly fine with me too.
This article was originally published on April 16, 2015.
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In summary, the rise of rideshare apps is changing the way teens approach transportation, often prioritizing convenience and safety over traditional methods. By embracing these modern alternatives, parents can feel more at ease as their children navigate their way into independence.