2007: Americans cut back on driving
The 20+ year streak is over! 2007 marked the first year in over two decades where Americans drove less in terms of overall mileage than the year before. According to the Federal Highway Administration, America's total mileage dropped 0.4% in 2007, clocking in at 3 trillion miles -- down from 3.01 trillion in 2006. It looks like we finally have an answer to what kind of all-powerful force it will take to actually put the brakes on America's driving habit: high gas prices. While I'd like to claim that the underlying reason was a widespread conservation mindset and biking movement, I think that Americans are simply cutting down on unnecessary trips, joyrides, etc. because it's no longer economical.
Thus far in 2008, gas prices are hitting new highs, so I'm sure that Americans' driving habits will probably taper off again this year -- I know mine have. I mean, we though that $3 a gallon was expensive last year, but we're already nearing $3.50 this year. Domestic vehicles are getting to be more fuel efficient, and that's great. But if gas was still $1.50, I think that better gas mileage just encourages taking longer and more frequent trips. Who wants to pile in for a country drive?
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