While a driver’s license was once considered a rite of passage into adulthood, fewer young drivers consider it necessary. The reasons for the decline in licensed drivers under 30 are varied but include the increased role of digital media in daily activities and concern for the environmental impact of automobiles.
Electronic social networking, better mass transit, options like Zipcar, online shopping and the economy may all contribute to fewer young drivers on the road. Whether the shift is permanent and what the long-term implications may be are not completely clear.
Declining Youth Drivers
Fewer Young Drivers Means Marketplace Impact
Trend Themes
1. Declining Youth Drivers - Young people are increasingly choosing not to get driver's licenses and this trend may have lasting impacts on transportation, technology, and urban planning.
2. Digital Media and Transportation - The increased role of digital media in daily life is changing transportation patterns, influencing industries ranging from automotive to entertainment.
3. Sustainable Transportation - Concerns about the environment are driving innovation in transportation, from electric cars to bike sharing programs.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Fewer young drivers may lead to changes in the automotive industry, including a push for more eco-friendly vehicles and a shift towards ride-sharing services.
2. Entertainment - The rise of digital media is changing how people spend their free time, with implications for industries such as movie theaters and theme parks that rely on car-dependent audiences.
3. Urban Planning - Changes in youth driving patterns may impact urban planning decisions, such as the need for more bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.