Since 1980, every subsequent year has seen an increase in the total number of miles driven by Americans, year-over-year. But that could all change if motorists continue to cut back on driving in 2008. Overall miles driven have declined every month so far this year, and it doesn’t look like that’s about to change.
“We’re seeing a sustained dropoff over a prolonged period, and a significant dropoff that we expect will continue,” Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said during a conference call, according to Bloomberg.
So far this year, road travel is down 2.4 percent, according to data released by the Federal Highway Administration. Now halfway through the year, it would take nothing short of an economic miracle to sustain the 28-year growth trend.
With 2008′s fate all but sealed, most analysts are turning their attention to 2009. With financial turmoil far from over in many segments of the U.S. economy, it remains to be seen whether next year will fare any better.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. While road travel is down, most of the decline can be attributed to a reduction in arguably unnecessary trips or distances. According to consulting firm Deloitte & Touche, most Americans traveled closer to home on Memorial Day. For example, many families opted for local beaches rather than distant ones.
“We’re tending to cut out the leisure driving first,” explained researcher David Ellis at the Texas Transportation Institute. Hardly cause for panic — but a sign of the times nonetheless.
