This Nov. 2, 2012 file photo shows Diane Spitaliere and her pet dog Izzie sitting in her car outside her house in Alexandria, Va. Women have passed men on the nation’s roads. More women now have driver’s licenses than men, a reversal of a longtime gender gap behind the wheel that transportation researchers say is likely to have significant safety and economic implications. Spitaliere, 58, a retired government worker says: “I want to be in my own car for as long as possible. I want to be independent for as long as I can.” (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
More women have driver's licenses than men in US
This Nov. 2, 2012 file photo shows Diane Spitaliere and her pet dog Izzie sitting in her car outside her house in Alexandria, Va. Women have passed men on the nation’s roads. More women now have driver’s licenses than men, a reversal of a longtime gender gap behind the wheel that transportation researchers say is likely to have significant safety and economic implications. Spitaliere, 58, a retired government worker says: “I want to be in my own car for as long as possible. I want to be independent for as long as I can.” (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
By JOAN LOWY
Associated Press /
November 12, 2012
Text Size:
- –
- +
Page 2 of 2 --
There has also been a sharp decline in vehicle trips and the number of miles traveled by vehicle for 16- to 29-year old males, according to McGuckin’s analysis of massive government travel surveys between 1990 and 2009. The declines for women were not as great.
‘‘The car companies are very worried,’’ she said.
Gloria Berquist, vice president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the alliance is aware that the share of teens and young adults obtaining driver licenses is dropping, although the association hasn’t seen the research on the gender differences.
‘‘Some research has shown that young adults today connect with their friends through their smartphones, but at some point younger consumers still need to get from here to there, and a car is still a priority where public transportation is unavailable or limited,’’ she said. ‘‘This is especially true for younger adults when they enter the workforce.’’
___
Follow Joan Lowy at http://www.twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy
© Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
