Folks are Finally Driving Less

The combination of high fuel prices and a general downturn in the economy is coalescing into reduced gasoline consumption by U.S. motorists. According to an article in The New York Times, the Transportation Department has reported that "Americans drove 1.8 percent fewer miles on public roads in April 2008 compared with the same month last year, the sixth consecutive month of driving mileage declines." Paired with smarter, more conscious driving habits (like Scott's Thrifty-Drive) and the use of public transportation, the total amount of miles that Americans traveled dipped in 2005 and 2006, and has been on a decline ever since. Previously, miles traveled were on the upsurge--from 1984 to 2004, they rose almost 3 percent per year.

A new report by Cambridge Energy Research Associates has noted some core changes in consumer behavior that point to a definite trend taking hold: In California, where fuel prices have historically led the way, consumption of gas has been dropping for two years while hybrid vehicle sales are on the upturn. And it seems the 49 other states are following suit since sales of larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles (pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs) have dropped off considerably. While the national average price for gasoline is about $4.08, the report states that it would need to average about $4.23 per gallon "to create the same economic pain as in 1981." And as we're sure many of you remember, this prolonged period during the oil shocks of the late 70's and early 80's gave way to quickly-rising oil prices. Seems we're on a similar path to experiencing a familiar economic hardship.

But it's not only the pain at the pump that has folks thinking twice, as the article concludes: climate change is a huge driving force that is making folks think twice about their choices. And it's another driving force for fuel efficiency. What are you doing to slash your fuel usage?