Fewer Americans on the road

Tools

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Aug 13, 2008 at 9:49 AM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 14, 2008 at 7:21 AM MDT

WASHINGTON - The Federal Highway Administration says driving by Americans dropped sharply in June, just as the summer travel season was beginning.

Americans drove 12.2 billion fewer miles in June 2008 than they did in June of last year. That was the biggest monthly drop in a downward driving trend that began in November, as soaring gas prices started to pinch consumers. Overall, Americans drove 53.2 billion fewer miles November through June than they did over the same eight-month period a year earlier.

Some of the biggest declines in June compared with a year ago were in Western states with wide-open spaces: down 7.7% in Montana, 6.9% in Washington, 6.8% in Wyoming, and 6.7% in Nevada.

Also part of the trend were such popular vacation states as Maine, down 7%, and Florida, down 6%.

Missoula

Icon
Current Temp 46.0 °F
Fair
Wind : Calm
Pressure : 1025.1 mb
Humidity : 79 %
More Weather

Butte

Icon
Current Temp 40.0 °F
Fair
Wind : Southeast at 4.6 MPH (4 KT)
Pressure : 1025.3 mb
Humidity : 77 %
More Weather

On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Poll

Do you think Montana's DUI laws need to be tougher?

  • Yes
  • No

AP Video