![Change in Vehicle-Miles Traveled in the United States and Nominal Spot Oil Prices | The Geography of Transport Systems](https://i0.wp.com/transportgeography.org/wp-content/uploads/annual_vehicle_miles_usa.png?resize=880%2C412&ssl=1)
The growth of Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) and oil prices are usually inversely proportional. A surge in oil prices commonly results in a drop in growth rates of VMT, which can become negative with surges that are acute. The Covid-19 pandemic represents an exception as VMTs and oil prices dropped concomitantly, mainly due to lockdowns causing a sharp decline in oil demand.