Americans Continue to Cut Back on Driving

The trend continues.

In our latest update on American mileage, we can again report that the overall number of miles driven continues to decline. Compared to June 2007, Americans drove 12.2 billion fewer miles this June — a 4.7% decline, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Keep in mind, however, that the DOT has only tracked mileage through June 30, and gas prices didn’t peak until July 17, at $4.11 per gallon. Now that gas prices have begun to fall (as of today, they’re about $3.78 a gallon), it remains to be seen whether we will abandon these new driving habits, or if the summer gas spike will represent a more permanent change in American driving.

Also keep in mind that summer is peak driving season. Families take vacations, make more weekend trips and just generally hop in the car more often. It may be that people will continue to skimp on unnecessary car travel or, if gas prices continue to decline, the summer of 2008 may just become an unpleasant memory that was easily forgotten.

To be continued…

Drivers Still Leaving Cars in Park (USA Today)