Frequency of Driving

To qualify for this study of Distracted and Drowsy Driving, persons age 16 or older must drive a motor vehicle at least occasionally, regardless of holding a valid driver's license. About eight out of ten (82%) drivers report that they usually drive a car or other motor vehicle every day. An additional 14% drive several days a week. Male drivers (86%) are more likely than female drivers (78%) to report daily driving. Middle age drivers (those in their 30s through 64) report the greatest frequency of driving (86% daily), while just 63% of those over 64 drives on a daily basis. [Figure 1-A] Not surprisingly, driving frequency is impacted by employment status, with 92% of those employed full time reporting daily driving, as compared to just 66% of those who are not currently employed.

Driver's License

Approximately 2% of drivers report driving a motor vehicle without the benefit of a valid driver's license. Male drivers (3%) and those ages 16-20 (8%) are most likely to report not having a valid driver's license. [Figure 1-B]

Commercial License

About fourteen percent (14%) of drivers report having a commercial driver's license. It is likely that there was some misunderstanding of the meaning of a "commercial driver's license" among youth age 16-20, as 19% of these drivers report this type of license. Male drivers are more likely to hold this type of license than are their female counterparts (18% vs. 11%). [Figure 1-C]

Radar Detector

About four percent (4%) of drivers report that they usually drive with a radar detector in their vehicle, with males (6%) and younger drivers (9% of 16-20 year olds) more likely than others to do so. Use of a radar detector may indicate a propensity for speeding or other types of unsafe driving behaviors. [Figure 1-E]