Vehicle usage drops a dramatic 38.4 percent because of COVID-19
(April 11, 2020) In response to the devastating spread of COVID-19 in the United States, Americans from coast to coast have united in an effort to stay at home and adopt social distancing practices. As a result, vehicle usage has seen a dramatic decrease of 38.4% in terms of total trips taken. However, the nationwide decrease in trips (and in many states) is now flattening off, decreasing by a further 1.3% since the prior period of March 23 to March 29, according to Mojio, a mobility solutions company.
The two states with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (New York and New Jersey) are amongst the top five states to have changed their driving behavior, showing decreases of 45.8% and 44.0% respectively. The state of Vermont has parked their vehicles more than anyone else in the country, trimming the number of trips by 61.5%.
On the other hand, Iowa, which remains one of only five states to not issue a state-level stay-at-home order, has seen the smallest change in vehicle usage, decreasing by only 22.7%.
Here are a few key takeaways for American drivers:
• In response to the devastating spread of COVID-19 in the United States, Americans from coast to coast have united in an effort to stay at home and adopt social distancing practices. As a result, vehicle usage has seen a dramatic decrease of 38.4% in terms of total trips taken.
• This massive change is creating ripple effects across the automotive value chain, from fueling stations and maintenance and repair shops, to insurance carriers and even auto manufacturers.
• However, the nationwide decrease in trips (and in many states) does seem to be flattening off, decreasing by only a further 1.3% since the prior period of March 23 to March 29. Is this the normal?
• The two states with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (New York and New Jersey) are amongst the top 5 states to have changed their driving behavior, showing decreases of 45.8% and 44.0% respectively. The neighboring state of Vermont has parked their vehicles more than anyone else in the country, trimming the number of trips by 61.5%.
• On the other hand, Iowa, which remains one of few states to have not issued a state-level stay-at-home order, has seen the smallest change in vehicle usage, decreasing by only 22.7%.
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