Traffic Delays Fell in 2007

U.S. drivers spent less time in traffic delays in 2007 for the first time in at least 25 years, a new study showed.

Motorists spent 4.16 billion hours in traffic in the 439 urban areas studies by the Texas Transportation Institute, the report released Wednesday showed. The number fell increased every year since studies began in 1982, but fell in 2007 from 4.2 billion hours.

The decrease was caused by motorists cutting back the amount they drive, the study said. The recession and high fuel prices have pushed motorists to drive less.

The 2007 figure was still above 2004’s level, the study said.

The average motorist spent one less hour stuck in traffic in 2007 than in 2006 and wasted one less gallon of gasoline, the study showed.