Americans drove 9.6 billion fewer miles in May 2008

As a result of high gas-prices, Americans drove 9.6 billion fewer miles in May 2008 than they did in May 2007. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the 3.7 percent declice was the largest drop in the 66 years since the government has been tracking miles.

The data also revealed that Americans drove 29.8 billion fewer miles in the first five months of 2008, a drop of 2.4 percent. Americans started driving fewer miles in the beginning of November 2007 and have driven 40.5 billion fewer miles up until May 2008.

The Federal Highway Trust Fund said it faces a $3.1 billion shortfall in the fiscal year 2009 because drivers are buying less gas. The FHTF funds roadways with gas taxes that are collected.

Source: USAToday