An ongoing study aimed at tracking new technology that allows cars to communicate with one another on the road has led to an interesting side discovery. The Detroit Free Press reports a study conducted by the University of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Transportation found drivers are willing to travel further distances for lower gas prices.
More than 3,000 vehicles are currently a part of the study, which began as a way to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on the roads while also cutting back on traffic congestion, fuel emissions and the subsequent auto repair caused by accidents. By tracking the movements of these drivers, academics were able examine certain habits on the road. It was then they discovered that most drivers are willing to travel farther to take advantage of lower gas prices.
While gas prices still remain relatively high around the U.S., the average price has dropped to approximately $3.43 per gallon, the same as this time last year, Time reports. Experts have been predicting price cuts for months, with a rapid decrease coming at the end of October, but costs are fluctuating across the country due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy.