Statistics and Emissions

Even small changes in how and when we use our cars can add up to less traffic in our neighborhoods, better air quality and even safer streets. Here are a few statistics you may not know about traffic and its impacts, along with a few small ways you can help make a big difference.

Did you know that…

Property values go up when car traffic goes down.

The average household in King County makes 12 car trips each day, and nearly half of those are to destinations less than three miles from home.

Driving motor vehicles causes more than half of our air pollution and is the largest Northwest contributor to global warming.

If each household in Seattle makes just one less car trip per day, we'll remove enough cars to fill the parking garage at the Bon Marche about 500 times! That could mean three million fewer automobiles clogging our neighborhood streets every week.

Walking consumes 75 calories per mile. By walking instead of driving to the store, you can justify an extra chocolate truffle or two.

For every 10 minutes of commute time people regularly drive, the level of "social capital" and civic participation reduces by 10%.

Car Ownership Emissions Chart

Not all cars are created equal - some pollute more, while some pollute less. A new generation of hybrid vehicles use both electric and internal combustion engines to reduce pollution and improve mileage. To calculate the amount of emissions your vehicle produces, or to compare between types of vehicles, use the following chart and/or download our handy Emissions Chart form here (in MS Word format).

Click here to pick from the categories of vehicles represented that is most like your car: SUV's, Minivans, 4 Door Sedans, Compact Cars, and Light Trucks. If the vehicle you are calculating is your primary vehicle, assume you drive it approximately 800 miles per month. If the vehicle you are calculating is your second or third vehicle, assume you drive it approximately 250 miles per month. Figures for emissions pollutants are in pounds.

To determine the exact emissions information for your make, model, and year of vehicle please refer to the "Tail Pipe Tally" link on the For My World web site.

Send E-mail to: waytogo@seattle.gov