StrataGist
Local Perspectives On National Trends (Rogue Valley / Southern Oregon)
In early July, researchers at Feed-back.com conducted an informal Person-On-The-Street survey in the Rogue Valley (Southern Oregon). The objective was to identify changes in driving patterns from 2007 to 2008 among local residents and compare the findings with national trends. Survey results and assessments are discussed below.
Informal Survey On Driving Patterns
July 15th, 2008 (Medford OR): It seemed simple and straightforward, in theory:
- Conduct brief informal surveys
- Analyze the findings
- Evaluate how local residents' responses compare or contrast with national trends
- Post an overview of the results.
In one city, researchers experienced unexpectedly angry responses from approximately 20% of the people who were approached. The survey consisted of three seemingly innocuous questions about driving habits. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Survey Details
From July 8th - 10th, surveys were conducted at post offices in four cities in the Rogue Valley: Ashland, Medford, Central Point, and White City. Many people originally refused to participate but did so a few minutes later, after overhearing the questions.
The survey asked how the respondent got to the location and if his or her driving habits had changed over the past year. For those who reported driving less frequently, a follow-up question asked participants to estimate the amount in terms of reduced weekly trips.
The findings are shown below. A slight majority of respondents reported driving less this year than last year (40%), compared with those who were driving the same amount (33%) or more (12%), while 15% did not answer the question.
Among those who drove less, 75% had eliminated three or more weekly trips. One in every four survey respondents offered additional comments or discussed their views. The most frequently mentioned issue was drilling for oil (two respondents). Several participants explained that their driving increased because of work, while others biked or carpooled seasonally. Two people were driving less because they were not working, and two others mentioned that they drove hybrids. Two respondents had changed their habits by combining errands in a single trip or driving to town and walking to nearby locations. One person was not travelling out of the area, while another changed jobs to reduce the commute.
Local Versus National Patterns
As reported on the CBS Evening News (July 10th, 2008), the city of Birmingham (Alabama) implemented a four-day work week in response to higher gas prices. A recent survey that estimates one in six U.S. cities with at least 25,000 people has implemented a 10-hour four-day work week [original source unknown]. For a fairly typical commute of 30 miles, an employee can save $500 a year in reduced gas costs (at $4 per gallon). Birmingham and many other U.S. cities offer few reliable public transportation options. The aging buses serving Birmingham break down often, and there is no light rail alternative.
On a larger scale, Utah is closing most state government offices on Fridays (starting in August 2008), and officials estimate the change will net $3.0 million in annual savings. According to the most recent U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) statistics, Americans are driving less: "…estimated vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on all public roads for March 2008 fell 4.2% as compared with March 2007 travel", a decrease of 11.0 billion miles that represents the sharpest decline tracked to date. DOT estimates suggest that greenhouse gas emissions fell by approximately 9.0 million metric tons during the first quarter of 2008. Visit FHWA to review "Traffic Volume Trends" and "Highway Statistics" reports.
