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Maine Value:
Percentage of workers ages 16 and older who drive alone to work
Maine Rank:
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Percentage of workers ages 16 and older who drive alone to work
US Value: 68.7%
Top State(s): New York: 49.0%
Bottom State(s): Mississippi: 81.9%
Definition: Percentage of workers ages 16 and older who drive alone to work
Data Source and Years(s): U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2022
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2024.
Commuting is a daily necessity for many people and driving alone is by far the most common mode of transportation to work. There are environmental and individual health concerns associated with driving: driving alone to work involves extended periods of social isolation and physical inactivity, and more motor vehicles on the road means more air pollution, noise pollution and transportation congestion. Congestion, a common occurrence in large cities, creates concentrated areas of air and noise pollution, which disproportionately affect those with lower socioeconomic status. Commutes greater than 15 miles can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, obesity and physical inactivity.
After housing expenses, vehicle maintenance (including purchasing, upkeep, and operation) represents the second-largest expenditure for households. By utilizing public transportation and reducing the number of owned vehicles by one, a household can save $13,000. Additionally, switching from driving alone to public transportation can reduce an individual's CO2 emissions by 20 pounds per day, more than 48,000 pounds per year.
According to America’s Health Rankings data, the prevalence of driving alone to work is higher among males compared with females. Other populations that spend more time driving alone to work include:
Strategies to promote modes of transportation other than driving, particularly driving alone, include:
Healthy People 2030 has multiple objectives related to transportation, including:
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America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
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