Driving Shifts Into Reverse

METRICS 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 10,000 HANNAH FAIRFIELD 1980 00 1981 2008O Driving Shifts Into Reverse CONOMISTS have long studied the relationship between driving habits L and gasoline prices. Low gas prices can bring periods of profligate driving, and a quick jump in prices can cause many vehicles to languish in garages. Until recently, Americans have driven more each year than the previous one, with a few brief exceptions. In 1956, Americans of driving age drove about 4,000 miles a year, on average. Fifty years later, that figure had climbed above 10,000. But the latest recession has caused some big changes. High unemployment meant that fewer people were driving to work, and a slump in consumer spending meant that less freight needed to be moved around the country. As gas prices soared in 2005, the number of miles driven - including commercial and personal began to fall, and continued to drop after 2008 even as gasoline became cheaper. "People were surprised by the very rapid rise in gas prices, and they changed their driving behavior," said Kenneth A. Small, a transportation economist at University of California, Irvine. "But my suspicion is that it is temporary. As soon as unemployment gets back to pre-recession levels, we will see Americans doing a lot more driving again." Energy crisis The swing backward The average number of miles that Americans drive annually begins to fall, so the chart appears to turn around. $3.00 O 2007 O1982 2006 1979 Q O1983 1983 Feb. 2010 O $2.50 2005 O $2.50 Q1984 O1957 1956 Annual Q1977 O1985 1959 1974O 2009 average Cheap gas, longer commutes 1960 1976 1975 1958 1961 O1962 1978 1966 1968 2004O 1963 O 1965 1964 The Arab oil embargo 1967 1969 $2.00 $2.00 O1970 .... Record low prices 2000 1971 O1973 1990 O 2003 Price of a gallon of gasoline 1972 1987 Q1991 2001 C 19890 Annual average for regular grade, adjusted for inflation 1986 1996 Q1992 1988 O1997 2002 1993 Oo 1995 1994 $1.50 O1999 Miles driven per capita each year 5,000 mi. 6,000 mi. 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 1998 1956-72 1973-74 1978-81 1986-98 2005-10 Cheap gas, longer commutes The Arab oil embargo Energy crisis Record low prices The swing backward CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR -210 CHANGE IN GAS PRICES +2,270 -156 +106¢ +21¢ CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN +2,057 GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES -52¢ +43¢ CHANGE IN GAS PRICES DRIVEN PER YEAR -427 -39¢ Americans spent more time in their cars as highways networks expanded and more workers commuted from new, far-flung suburbs. The number of commuters rose as more women joined the work force. In 1973, many Arab oil-producing countries declared an oil embargo against the United States because of its support of Israel in the Middle East. The supply disruption caused oil prices to rise sharply, and gas consumption declined. Gas prices jumped as the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq war caused a rift in the global oil supply. United States energy policy turned to conservation, and Congress imposed the first fuel-efficiency standards for cars. Gasoline remained cheap for more than a decade, and the average number of miles Americans drove annually jumped by more than 2,000. Economists observed that consumers became less sensitive to small gas-price changes as household incomes rose. The growth in driving faltered as gas prices started to climb. But much of the sharp reduction in driving was caused by the long recession and its high unemploy- ment rate. A small but growing number of thrifty and carbon- conscious commuters switched to bicycles and public transportation. Sources: Energy Information Administration; Federal Highway Administration; Brookings Institution THE NEW YORK TIMES METRICS 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 10,000 HANNAH FAIRFIELD 1980 00 1981 2008O Driving Shifts Into Reverse CONOMISTS have long studied the relationship between driving habits L and gasoline prices. Low gas prices can bring periods of profligate driving, and a quick jump in prices can cause many vehicles to languish in garages. Until recently, Americans have driven more each year than the previous one, with a few brief exceptions. In 1956, Americans of driving age drove about 4,000 miles a year, on average. Fifty years later, that figure had climbed above 10,000. But the latest recession has caused some big changes. High unemployment meant that fewer people were driving to work, and a slump in consumer spending meant that less freight needed to be moved around the country. As gas prices soared in 2005, the number of miles driven - including commercial and personal began to fall, and continued to drop after 2008 even as gasoline became cheaper. "People were surprised by the very rapid rise in gas prices, and they changed their driving behavior," said Kenneth A. Small, a transportation economist at University of California, Irvine. "But my suspicion is that it is temporary. As soon as unemployment gets back to pre-recession levels, we will see Americans doing a lot more driving again." Energy crisis The swing backward The average number of miles that Americans drive annually begins to fall, so the chart appears to turn around. $3.00 O 2007 O1982 2006 1979 Q O1983 1983 Feb. 2010 O $2.50 2005 O $2.50 Q1984 O1957 1956 Annual Q1977 O1985 1959 1974O 2009 average Cheap gas, longer commutes 1960 1976 1975 1958 1961 O1962 1978 1966 1968 2004O 1963 O 1965 1964 The Arab oil embargo 1967 1969 $2.00 $2.00 O1970 .... Record low prices 2000 1971 O1973 1990 O 2003 Price of a gallon of gasoline 1972 1987 Q1991 2001 C 19890 Annual average for regular grade, adjusted for inflation 1986 1996 Q1992 1988 O1997 2002 1993 Oo 1995 1994 $1.50 O1999 Miles driven per capita each year 5,000 mi. 6,000 mi. 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 1998 1956-72 1973-74 1978-81 1986-98 2005-10 Cheap gas, longer commutes The Arab oil embargo Energy crisis Record low prices The swing backward CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR -210 CHANGE IN GAS PRICES +2,270 -156 +106¢ +21¢ CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN +2,057 GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES -52¢ +43¢ CHANGE IN GAS PRICES DRIVEN PER YEAR -427 -39¢ Americans spent more time in their cars as highways networks expanded and more workers commuted from new, far-flung suburbs. The number of commuters rose as more women joined the work force. In 1973, many Arab oil-producing countries declared an oil embargo against the United States because of its support of Israel in the Middle East. The supply disruption caused oil prices to rise sharply, and gas consumption declined. Gas prices jumped as the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq war caused a rift in the global oil supply. United States energy policy turned to conservation, and Congress imposed the first fuel-efficiency standards for cars. Gasoline remained cheap for more than a decade, and the average number of miles Americans drove annually jumped by more than 2,000. Economists observed that consumers became less sensitive to small gas-price changes as household incomes rose. The growth in driving faltered as gas prices started to climb. But much of the sharp reduction in driving was caused by the long recession and its high unemploy- ment rate. A small but growing number of thrifty and carbon- conscious commuters switched to bicycles and public transportation. Sources: Energy Information Administration; Federal Highway Administration; Brookings Institution THE NEW YORK TIMES METRICS 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 10,000 HANNAH FAIRFIELD 1980 00 1981 2008O Driving Shifts Into Reverse CONOMISTS have long studied the relationship between driving habits L and gasoline prices. Low gas prices can bring periods of profligate driving, and a quick jump in prices can cause many vehicles to languish in garages. Until recently, Americans have driven more each year than the previous one, with a few brief exceptions. In 1956, Americans of driving age drove about 4,000 miles a year, on average. Fifty years later, that figure had climbed above 10,000. But the latest recession has caused some big changes. High unemployment meant that fewer people were driving to work, and a slump in consumer spending meant that less freight needed to be moved around the country. As gas prices soared in 2005, the number of miles driven - including commercial and personal began to fall, and continued to drop after 2008 even as gasoline became cheaper. "People were surprised by the very rapid rise in gas prices, and they changed their driving behavior," said Kenneth A. Small, a transportation economist at University of California, Irvine. "But my suspicion is that it is temporary. As soon as unemployment gets back to pre-recession levels, we will see Americans doing a lot more driving again." Energy crisis The swing backward The average number of miles that Americans drive annually begins to fall, so the chart appears to turn around. $3.00 O 2007 O1982 2006 1979 Q O1983 1983 Feb. 2010 O $2.50 2005 O $2.50 Q1984 O1957 1956 Annual Q1977 O1985 1959 1974O 2009 average Cheap gas, longer commutes 1960 1976 1975 1958 1961 O1962 1978 1966 1968 2004O 1963 O 1965 1964 The Arab oil embargo 1967 1969 $2.00 $2.00 O1970 .... Record low prices 2000 1971 O1973 1990 O 2003 Price of a gallon of gasoline 1972 1987 Q1991 2001 C 19890 Annual average for regular grade, adjusted for inflation 1986 1996 Q1992 1988 O1997 2002 1993 Oo 1995 1994 $1.50 O1999 Miles driven per capita each year 5,000 mi. 6,000 mi. 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 1998 1956-72 1973-74 1978-81 1986-98 2005-10 Cheap gas, longer commutes The Arab oil embargo Energy crisis Record low prices The swing backward CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR -210 CHANGE IN GAS PRICES +2,270 -156 +106¢ +21¢ CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN +2,057 GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES -52¢ +43¢ CHANGE IN GAS PRICES DRIVEN PER YEAR -427 -39¢ Americans spent more time in their cars as highways networks expanded and more workers commuted from new, far-flung suburbs. The number of commuters rose as more women joined the work force. In 1973, many Arab oil-producing countries declared an oil embargo against the United States because of its support of Israel in the Middle East. The supply disruption caused oil prices to rise sharply, and gas consumption declined. Gas prices jumped as the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq war caused a rift in the global oil supply. United States energy policy turned to conservation, and Congress imposed the first fuel-efficiency standards for cars. Gasoline remained cheap for more than a decade, and the average number of miles Americans drove annually jumped by more than 2,000. Economists observed that consumers became less sensitive to small gas-price changes as household incomes rose. The growth in driving faltered as gas prices started to climb. But much of the sharp reduction in driving was caused by the long recession and its high unemploy- ment rate. A small but growing number of thrifty and carbon- conscious commuters switched to bicycles and public transportation. Sources: Energy Information Administration; Federal Highway Administration; Brookings Institution THE NEW YORK TIMES METRICS 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 10,000 HANNAH FAIRFIELD 1980 00 1981 2008O Driving Shifts Into Reverse CONOMISTS have long studied the relationship between driving habits L and gasoline prices. Low gas prices can bring periods of profligate driving, and a quick jump in prices can cause many vehicles to languish in garages. Until recently, Americans have driven more each year than the previous one, with a few brief exceptions. In 1956, Americans of driving age drove about 4,000 miles a year, on average. Fifty years later, that figure had climbed above 10,000. But the latest recession has caused some big changes. High unemployment meant that fewer people were driving to work, and a slump in consumer spending meant that less freight needed to be moved around the country. As gas prices soared in 2005, the number of miles driven - including commercial and personal began to fall, and continued to drop after 2008 even as gasoline became cheaper. "People were surprised by the very rapid rise in gas prices, and they changed their driving behavior," said Kenneth A. Small, a transportation economist at University of California, Irvine. "But my suspicion is that it is temporary. As soon as unemployment gets back to pre-recession levels, we will see Americans doing a lot more driving again." Energy crisis The swing backward The average number of miles that Americans drive annually begins to fall, so the chart appears to turn around. $3.00 O 2007 O1982 2006 1979 Q O1983 1983 Feb. 2010 O $2.50 2005 O $2.50 Q1984 O1957 1956 Annual Q1977 O1985 1959 1974O 2009 average Cheap gas, longer commutes 1960 1976 1975 1958 1961 O1962 1978 1966 1968 2004O 1963 O 1965 1964 The Arab oil embargo 1967 1969 $2.00 $2.00 O1970 .... Record low prices 2000 1971 O1973 1990 O 2003 Price of a gallon of gasoline 1972 1987 Q1991 2001 C 19890 Annual average for regular grade, adjusted for inflation 1986 1996 Q1992 1988 O1997 2002 1993 Oo 1995 1994 $1.50 O1999 Miles driven per capita each year 5,000 mi. 6,000 mi. 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 1998 1956-72 1973-74 1978-81 1986-98 2005-10 Cheap gas, longer commutes The Arab oil embargo Energy crisis Record low prices The swing backward CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR -210 CHANGE IN GAS PRICES +2,270 -156 +106¢ +21¢ CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN +2,057 GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES -52¢ +43¢ CHANGE IN GAS PRICES DRIVEN PER YEAR -427 -39¢ Americans spent more time in their cars as highways networks expanded and more workers commuted from new, far-flung suburbs. The number of commuters rose as more women joined the work force. In 1973, many Arab oil-producing countries declared an oil embargo against the United States because of its support of Israel in the Middle East. The supply disruption caused oil prices to rise sharply, and gas consumption declined. Gas prices jumped as the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq war caused a rift in the global oil supply. United States energy policy turned to conservation, and Congress imposed the first fuel-efficiency standards for cars. Gasoline remained cheap for more than a decade, and the average number of miles Americans drove annually jumped by more than 2,000. Economists observed that consumers became less sensitive to small gas-price changes as household incomes rose. The growth in driving faltered as gas prices started to climb. But much of the sharp reduction in driving was caused by the long recession and its high unemploy- ment rate. A small but growing number of thrifty and carbon- conscious commuters switched to bicycles and public transportation. Sources: Energy Information Administration; Federal Highway Administration; Brookings Institution THE NEW YORK TIMES METRICS 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 10,000 HANNAH FAIRFIELD 1980 00 1981 2008O Driving Shifts Into Reverse CONOMISTS have long studied the relationship between driving habits L and gasoline prices. Low gas prices can bring periods of profligate driving, and a quick jump in prices can cause many vehicles to languish in garages. Until recently, Americans have driven more each year than the previous one, with a few brief exceptions. In 1956, Americans of driving age drove about 4,000 miles a year, on average. Fifty years later, that figure had climbed above 10,000. But the latest recession has caused some big changes. High unemployment meant that fewer people were driving to work, and a slump in consumer spending meant that less freight needed to be moved around the country. As gas prices soared in 2005, the number of miles driven - including commercial and personal began to fall, and continued to drop after 2008 even as gasoline became cheaper. "People were surprised by the very rapid rise in gas prices, and they changed their driving behavior," said Kenneth A. Small, a transportation economist at University of California, Irvine. "But my suspicion is that it is temporary. As soon as unemployment gets back to pre-recession levels, we will see Americans doing a lot more driving again." Energy crisis The swing backward The average number of miles that Americans drive annually begins to fall, so the chart appears to turn around. $3.00 O 2007 O1982 2006 1979 Q O1983 1983 Feb. 2010 O $2.50 2005 O $2.50 Q1984 O1957 1956 Annual Q1977 O1985 1959 1974O 2009 average Cheap gas, longer commutes 1960 1976 1975 1958 1961 O1962 1978 1966 1968 2004O 1963 O 1965 1964 The Arab oil embargo 1967 1969 $2.00 $2.00 O1970 .... Record low prices 2000 1971 O1973 1990 O 2003 Price of a gallon of gasoline 1972 1987 Q1991 2001 C 19890 Annual average for regular grade, adjusted for inflation 1986 1996 Q1992 1988 O1997 2002 1993 Oo 1995 1994 $1.50 O1999 Miles driven per capita each year 5,000 mi. 6,000 mi. 7,000 mi. 8,000 mi. 9,000 mi. 1998 1956-72 1973-74 1978-81 1986-98 2005-10 Cheap gas, longer commutes The Arab oil embargo Energy crisis Record low prices The swing backward CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR -210 CHANGE IN GAS PRICES +2,270 -156 +106¢ +21¢ CHANGE IN MILES DRIVEN PER YEAR CHANGE IN GAS PRICES CHANGE IN +2,057 GAS PRICES CHANGE IN MILES -52¢ +43¢ CHANGE IN GAS PRICES DRIVEN PER YEAR -427 -39¢ Americans spent more time in their cars as highways networks expanded and more workers commuted from new, far-flung suburbs. The number of commuters rose as more women joined the work force. In 1973, many Arab oil-producing countries declared an oil embargo against the United States because of its support of Israel in the Middle East. The supply disruption caused oil prices to rise sharply, and gas consumption declined. Gas prices jumped as the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq war caused a rift in the global oil supply. United States energy policy turned to conservation, and Congress imposed the first fuel-efficiency standards for cars. Gasoline remained cheap for more than a decade, and the average number of miles Americans drove annually jumped by more than 2,000. Economists observed that consumers became less sensitive to small gas-price changes as household incomes rose. The growth in driving faltered as gas prices started to climb. But much of the sharp reduction in driving was caused by the long recession and its high unemploy- ment rate. A small but growing number of thrifty and carbon- conscious commuters switched to bicycles and public transportation. Sources: Energy Information Administration; Federal Highway Administration; Brookings Institution THE NEW YORK TIMES