A recent online survey by Harris Interactive shows that more fathers in the United States are driving their kids to school, daycare or extracurricular activities. According to the report, 80 percent of American dads with children age 17 or younger take an active role in daily family life. More than 70 percent of those dads are driving their children.
According to recent U.S. Census data, in 2009 there were 158,000 stay-at-home dads. The Census defines them as married fathers with children under the age of 15 who have not worked for at least one year primarily so they can care for the family while their wives work outside the home.
Alexandra Robinson, president-elect of NAPT, said whether it’s more fathers driving their children to school than mothers, the findings aren’t surprising because parents still have the misconception that a personal vehicle is safer than a school bus. “NAPT, along with our partners and ASBC, have led industry public awareness campaigns to change that perception,” she said.
However, Robinson noted that as policies change and states and school boards across the country make cuts to school bus service, parents will do whatever they can to get their child to school in any convenient way or available method. “There’s much to be said about keeping kids eligible to ride so that there is a ride available when needed,” she said.
