1. Math in the News
Issue 74
Are You Driving Less?
In this issue we look at a Michigan study on the changes in driving habits
over the past few years, as well as why this might be happening.

2. The University of Michigan Transportation
Research Institute has published a study about the
amount of driving from 1984 to 2011. This graph
summarizes part of the the results.
Source: http://www.umtri.umich.edu/news.php

3. The graph shows the number of registered light
vehicles (cars, trucks, and SUVs). A close-up of the
graph shows that there was a decline in the in this
number from 2007 to 2010, with an increase in
2011.

4. This graph shows the annual mileage traveled for
each year.

5. This graph shows a steep decline from 2006, with
little sign of the number increasing.

6. People are driving less, but why?

7. This graph of the US GDP shows a slow-down in
the economy from 2008-2010. And this would have
affected purchase of vehicles.
SOURCE: http://www.bea.gov

8. But the economy has been growing somewhat
since 2010, so why are fewer miles being driven?

9. The price of gasoline has gone up since 2008 and
stays chronically high. This is likely what keeps
user mileage low.
Source: http://www.eia.gov.
2008

10. Conclusions
• As the economy
improves, more
cars will be
purchased.
• So long as the
price of gasoline
remains high, the
number of miles
driven will stay flat.

11. Conclusions
• What other factors
are influencing
people driving
less?