WASHINGTON – A new study shows that a smaller percentage of teenagers have driver’s licenses now than in the early 1980s.
Researchers at the University of Michigan say just about 75 percent of 19-year-olds in the U.S. had licenses in 2008 — down from 87-percent in 1983.
The proportion has dropped for 20- and 30 somethings too. The researchers say virtual contact might be replacing the need to drive across town, plus some teens might see driving as interfering with their texting.
Meanwhile, a higher percentage of older people are staying on the road into their 70s and beyond.
WTOP’s Max Smith contributed to this report. Follow Max and WTOP on Twitter.
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