With high gas prices dominating, Americans have driven less in the past few weeks, according to the data analytics firm. Inrix.
Last week, Inrix reported that weekday vehicle trips nationwide were down 2% week-on-week from the previous week. There is some regional variation, with the Midwest and Southern states generally falling. Inrix notes that the western and northeastern states have actually seen an increase. All of the 25 states with the longest average trip lengths saw a decrease in ride numbers over the period studied.
The most significant difference was in Kansas and Missouri, where motorists fell 14% and 11% respectively. Higher gas prices are likely to hit the Midwest particularly hard given the prevalence of agriculture and, consequently, demand for fuel not only for passenger vehicles but also agricultural equipment, Inrix suggests. idea.
Change to US weekday trips; week of February 27, 2022, versus March 6, 2022 (credit: Inrix)
The company also believes that gas prices may be hitting a peak where they are actually starting to affect driving behaviour. That is very important because, as we have reported in the pastGas prices don’t always affect the number of people driving.
But considering the different dynamics of the pandemic and long-term supply, this time is different, and we have seen some signs of a race. high mpg model.
Previously, the time when gas prices would affect travel was thought to be a sustained period past $3.00 a gallon. We’re good now, though AAA reported Thursday that the U.S. national pump price actually fell slightly, to about $4.28 a gallon.
Average trip length for the top 25 US states (credit: Inrix)
While high gas prices are inconvenient for many car-dependent families, we also need to recognize that reducing car trips is a good thing for the environment. More fuel-efficient cars can also reduce emissions, but current regulations and consumer preferences aren’t pushing the auto industry in that direction.
Many economists, policymakers and industry executives have long thought that the best approach to push the industry’s gas mileage higher. is with a carbon tax. Not surprising, The oil and gas industry opposes this.
