Americans Spend an Average of 17,600 Minutes Driving Each Year

By Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP on October 06, 2016

Cars in traffic

Spending a lot of time behind the wheel increases your risk of getting into a car accident. That is why the new survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety should serve as a wake-up call to all Americans who drive.

The American Driving Survey found that Americans drive for more than 17,600 minutes, or 290 hours, each year, the equivalent of seven 40-hour work weeks. Americans travel roughly 10,900 miles in those 290 hours.

Other findings from the AAA survey include:

  • Those between the ages of 30 and 49 drive more than any other age group, with approximately 13,506 miles driven each year.
  • Those who live in rural areas drive more than those who live directly in cities or towns, but only by 3,000 miles on average.
  • More than 50 percent of miles driven by Americans was done in cars, while 20 percent was done in SUVs, 17 percent was done in pickup trucks and 7.9 percent was done in vans.
  • Compared to men, women are 24 percent more likely to have a passenger in their vehicle on any given road trip.
  • More than 86 percent of households have at least one car for every driver in the home. Some homes (28 percent) report having more cars than drivers.
  • Americans spend the most time driving in the fall and the least in the winter.
  • More than two-thirds of driving trips are done without a passenger in the vehicle.

This is the second year the AAA foundation has conducted The American Driving Survey. This year’s survey consisted of responses from 5,774 drivers who provided information about how much time they spend on the road.

The survey shows that there is a high risk of getting into an accident on American roads. Fortunately, victims of these crashes may be entitled to compensation for the damages they have suffered.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash, contact a Fort Worth auto accident attorney at our law firm today, to discuss your options.

Call (817) 920-9000 or chat live with a legal representative.

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.

Recent Blog Posts

Highway car accident.

What Drivers Should Know About Chisholm Trail Parkway Accidents

November 11, 2026

Drivers involved in a Chisholm Trail Parkway accident should know that unsafe lane changes, following too closely, speeding, distracted driving, merging, and changing roadway conditions can all contribute to a collision. The Parkway runs from Fort Worth through southern Tarrant County toward Cleburne, connecting communities including Fort Worth and Burleson....

Read Article
ATV rollover.

Common Causes of Serious ATV Accidents in Texas

November 04, 2026

Serious ATV accidents in Texas often result from careless or reckless riding, excessive speed, inexperience, impaired operation, improper passengers, unsafe terrain, or mechanical problems. These crashes can cause severe injuries because ATV riders don’t have the protection provided by an enclosed passenger vehicle. ATV riding is common on Texas ranches,...

Read Article
Two crashed cars.

How Dallas-Fort Worth Growth is Increasing Traffic Accident Risks

October 27, 2026

Dallas-Fort Worth’s rapid growth is putting more people, vehicles, construction activity, and development on North Texas roads, increasing traffic conflicts that can contribute to serious accidents. The North Central Texas region continues to add hundreds of thousands of residents, increasing demand on roads throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Fort Worth,...

Read Article

Request a Free Case Evaluation

Tell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a free evaluation of your case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office, or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.

  • Disclaimer

Give Us A Call

We are always available to discuss your case. Give us a call at (817) 920-9000.

Email Us Anytime

Email us anytime and we will get back to you.

We’ll Come To You

Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.

Available 24/7

Our team is ready and waiting to help you today.

Fort Worth, TX Office

4200 W Vickery Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Directions