US drivers continue 14-month trend by driving less

Slammed by a tumbling economic outlook, Americans are driving much less, continuing a 14-month trend.

In December 2008, US drivers traveled 3.8 billion fewer vehicle-miles (6.1 billion kilometers), or a 1.6 percent decrease compared to the same month a year earlier, according to latest figures.

In all, since the trend began in November 2007, motorists have traveled 115 billion fewer miles (185 billion kilometers).

"This nation's driving decline is another indication of just how important the president's economic recovery plan is," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, referring to the stimulus package signed this week by President Barack Obama.

The decline in rural driving has outpaced the decline in urban driving since the trend began, according to the department's figures.

However, 17 US states posted increased numbers of driver miles (kilometers).

The western state of Colorado led the pack in December with a 5.4 percent increase, or a 200 million-vehicle-mile (321 million kilometer) rise compared to December 2007.