Think You're a True Car Enthusiast? 80% of American Drivers Don't Know How to Do This

According to statistics, people born under the zodiac sign Leo are the best drivers — while those born under Taurus are, on average, the worst behind the wheel.

Studies also show that women tend to be safer drivers, as their driving behavior results in fewer accidents overall.

The average American household owns 2.5 cars, reflecting just how central driving is to everyday life in the U.S.

Interestingly, most car thefts occur on New Year’s Day — perhaps not the most festive start to the year.

About 10% of all road accidents are caused by improper smartphone use while driving.

The longest traffic jam in history was recorded in 1980 — stretching 109 miles (176 kilometers) between Lyon and Paris.

Surveys reveal that four out of five drivers sing while driving — turning every commute into a mini concert.

According to research by AAA and several car rental companies, around 80% of American drivers don’t know how to operate a manual transmission — meaning only about 18–20% can actually drive a stick-shift car.

In 2022, Americans purchased 13.9 million vehicles. The following year, 2023, that number rose to about 15.6 million new cars and trucks. In 2024, sales climbed again to roughly 15.9–16.1 million units. The record year remains 2019, when nearly 17 million vehicles were sold across the United States.

And finally, according to official data, the average American drives about 14,263 miles per year — based on all registered passenger vehicles nationwide.