Empty roads in our future?

If there's anything good about the ridiculously high gas prices that we're suffering right now, it is a slight reduction fuel consumption. According to an article by Ronald D. White in today's Los Angeles Times, "The most recent figures available from California's Board of Equalization showed that the state's gasoline consumption in January was 4.5% below the same month in 2007 and down 8.6% compared with December."

Less gas is being used because people are naturally cutting back on their driving. So there's another side benefit of higher gas prices -- visibly reduced traffic. I'm noticing it here in the Los Angeles area, where traffic jams are so much a part of my day that I simply assume that it's going to take forever to get anywhere, and I'm pleasantly surprised when it doesn't.

Are you noticing the same thing in your area? Are gas prices opening up the roadways for SUV enthusiasts?

Photo © Land Rover