Nearly every year, the average Connecticut resident drives several more miles than he or she did in the previous year.

Driving a car, truck or sport utility vehicle is probably the most environmentally harmful activity a Connecticut resident will engage in personally. Impacts are direct (air pollution, oil leakage, etc.) and indirect (stimulating demand for new roads). The Department of Transportation estimates the total miles driven each year in Connecticut. Nearly every year, the average Connecticut resident drives more miles than in the previous year. The reasons are complex and include the fact that most new development is accessible only by private vehicle.

* Leading Environmental Indicators illustrate trends in behavior or practices that can be expected to influence the condition of tomorrow’s air, water, land and wildlife.