This marks the eighth straight month that driving declined, as cash-strapped Americans overhauled their driving habits to include driving less, switching to more fuel-efficient cars and opting to use public transportation systems.
In total since last November, Americans have driven 53.2 billion fewer miles than they did over the same period a year earlier, beating the 49.3 billion drop in mileage after several recessions and spikes in gasoline prices the 1070s.
Rural areas where people typically drive more and spend a larger share of their income on gasoline posted the largest decline in miles driven since last November, down 4% vs. 1.2% down in urban areas.
As a result of the decline, the government receives less money in gas taxes, which fund highway projects and public transportation. The taxes amount to 18.4 cents per gallon on gas and 24.4 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.
Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said, "Advances in higher fuel-efficiency vehicles and alternative fuels are making the gas tax an even less sustainable support for funding roads, bridges and transit systems.”