Evan ThomasAmericans are on track to set a record for the most annual miles driven in the past seven years, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Its latest report estimates U.S. drivers clocked 241 billion vehicle miles in November 2014, bringing the 11-month total for the year to 2.76 trillion miles.
If December numbers are high enough, the total could top 3 trillion vehicle miles and break a record set in 2007 when Americans drove a combined 3.03 trillion miles.
The Detroit News notes two trends that are likely helping driving distances approach a new record: the number of cars on the road and increasing fuel efficiency.
The number of cars on the road has climbed in 43 of the 44 years since 1960.
The Environmental Protection Agency finds fuel efficiency has generally climbed as well, while emissions have generally decreased since 1975.
It also helps that gas prices are still falling. Numbers from AAA show the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is hovering around $2, the lowest it’s been since 2009. (Video via ABC)
Whether Americans break the record will depend on the December 2014 numbers. Last year, they came out in February, so expect to find out sometime next month.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
