New data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation show that, from November 2007 through June, Americans have driven 53.2 billion miles less than they did over the same period in 2007 – topping the 1970s’ total decline of 49.3 billion miles.

Americans drove 4.7 percent less, or 12.2 billion miles fewer, in June 2008 than in June 2007. The decline is most evident in rural travel, which has fallen by 4 percent – compared to the 1.2 percent decline in urban miles traveled – since the trend began last November.

As Americans drive fewer miles, gasoline and diesel sales also drop. During the first quarter of 2008, motorists consumed nearly 400 million fewer gallons of gasoline, or about 1.3 percent less than during the same period in 2007, and 7 percent less – or 318 million gallons – of diesel.

To review the FHWA’s "Traffic Volume Trends" reports, including that of June 2008, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/tvtw/tvtpage.htm.