Miles Driven Increase Two Straight Months Over 2008 Levels - BodyShop Business

Miles Driven Increase Two Straight Months Over 2008 Levels

Americans hit the road more often in May, racking up 200 million more miles than during the same period in 2008. May was the second straight month that Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) increased after a year-plus period of driving decline, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported.

Prior to April, VMT had decreased for 16 months straight. The increase in May mileage was despite gas prices rising an average 36 cents a gallon from April prices.

The only area in the U.S. to see a decline in driving was the South Atlantic region, where driving declined 1.4 percent in May compared to the same period last year. The area with the largest driving increase was the North Central region, where travel was up 0.8 percent.

Despite the travel upswing in April and May, year-to-date miles driven for 2009 are down 9.9 billion, or 0.8 percent, compared to the same period last year.

Click HERE for more travel statistics for May 2009.

You May Also Like

Body Bangin’: The Disengagement Epidemic with Kevin Wolfe

Micki Woods interviews Leaders Way Owner Kevin Wolfe on why 73% of work professionals are disengaged today and what we can do about it.

Micki Woods, master marketer for collision repair shops and owner of Micki Woods Marketing, has released the latest episode of "Body Bangin'," the video podcast that is taking the industry by storm!

In this episode, Woods interviews Kevin Wolfe, owner of Leaders Way and former mechanical shop owner, on how he became the shop everyone wanted to work at. Wolfe also points out that 73% of work professionals today are disengaged — an all-time high — and discusses why that is and how we can fix that.

Body Bangin’: I Thought We Were Doing It Right with Josh Piccione

Micki Woods interviews Josh Piccione on repairing vehicles correctly — according to manufacturer guidelines.

Body Bangin’: Be a Star Not a Hamster with Robert Snook

Micki Woods interviews popular keynote speaker Robert Snook on how to differentiate and grow your business.

Body Bangin’: Know Me, Know My Car with Mike Anderson

Micki Woods interviews Mike Anderson on the importance of building an emotional connection with your customers.

Body Bangin’: Fighting for Consumer Safety with Burl Richards

Micki Woods interviews Burl Richards on his personal mission to fight for consumers’ rights and safety.

Other Posts

Body Bangin’: The Employer-Student Disconnect

Micki Woods interviews Raven Hartkopf, lead collision instructor at Collin College in Texas, on what students want from a shop employer.

Body Bangin’: Why Follow OEM Repair Procedures?

Micki Woods interviews Logan Payne of Payne & Sons Paint & Body Shop on the importance of following OEM repair procedures.

Body Bangin’: Getting Paid for Calibrations

Micki Woods interviews Andy Hipwell and James Rodis of OEM Calibration on how to get started doing ADAS calibrations.

Body Bangin’: What Are The Consolidators Up To With Laura Gay

Micki Woods interviews Laura Gay of Consolidation Coach on the current state of auto body shop consolidation.