A new study indicates that the number of teens getting their driver's licenses has decreased in recent years, primarily due to an increase in internet connectivity.
According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), more than 30 percent of 19-year-olds do not have a driver's license, the highest percentage in history, reports The Detroit Free Press. Researchers pointed to numerous reasons for this trend, including large student loans, the tough economy and a migration to large cities where driving is less popular.
Yet perhaps the biggest factor may be the rise of the internet and social media, says UMTRI lead researcher Michael Sivak. The research team compared the U.S. trend to other countries with similar emphasis on technology, and found that they has also seen large declines in the amount of young people getting licenses.
"People just don't need to see each other as much as before because they can communicate through social media," Sivak told the news source.
Youngsters who do have cars should be sure they take care of them. Regular vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes, can prolong the life of a vehicle.