Multiple Vehicle Ownership Up

Why are we so concerned about vehicle-related air pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases when vehicles run so much cleaner today? That's easy. There are just so many more vehicles on the road each year those emissions reductions just never seem to make the impact we'd like. And since greenhouse gases correlate with fuel economy, it's simple math. The more fuel used to drive each mile, the greater amount of CO2 greenhouse gases emitted...and too many vehicles are not noted for their fuel efficiency these days.

 

The dilemma is underscored by a Department of Transportation study that shares why so many more vehicles are plying American highways. According to three DOT National Household Travel Surveys conducted over an 11 year period, U.S. households owning three, four, and five vehicles rose from 1995 to 2001, while the share of households with no vehicles, one vehicle, and two vehicles declined. Households with two vehicles have the greatest share in all three of the listed years.