Americans putting the brakes on driving
Last year it was high gas prices. This year it's most likely the economy. For the first time since 1981-82, the U.S. Department of Transportation has recorded a steady yearlong decline in driving nationwide.
Last year it was high gas prices. This year it's most likely the economy.
For the first time since 1981-82, the U.S. Department of Transportation has recorded a steady yearlong decline in driving nationwide.
Americans drove seven billion fewer miles this January than in January 2008, when gas prices exceeded $3 a gallon, for a decline of 3.1 percent, the department said in a report released Thursday.
The fall-off was greater in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Pennsylvanians drove 353 million fewer miles - a drop of about 4.5 percent. New Jerseyans racked up 363 million fewer miles, a decline of 6.5 percent, despite having some of the lowest gas prices in the nation.
"Clearly, economic conditions are having a prolonged effect on our driving habits," said AAA spokeswoman Catherine L. Rossi. "Some people aren't commuting because they no longer have jobs."
Less money also means fewer trips for shopping, entertainment and vacations.
Nationally, driving has been declining since December 2007.
During this 14-month span, motor vehicles have gone 122 billion fewer miles compared with the period between December 2006 to January 2008.
Bucking the trend were 13 Western states, including Alaska and Hawaii. Overall, they posted a slight increase - 0.2 percent.
