American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which term describes the total number of vehicle miles traveled by all vehicles in a specific time period?

1. Average Daily Traffic

2. Vehicle Miles Traveled

3. Annual Daily Traffic

4. Peak Hour Volume

The correct answer is: Vehicle Miles Traveled

The term that accurately describes the total number of vehicle miles traveled by all vehicles during a specific time period is known as Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). VMT is a crucial metric used in transportation planning and analysis as it quantifies the amount of travel occurring across a region. It encompasses all vehicles on the road, making it a comprehensive measure of travel activity. By focusing on the total distance traveled, VMT helps planners understand traffic patterns, forecast future transportation needs, and assess the environmental impacts of transportation systems. This term is utilized in various applications, including evaluating highway usage, determining transportation funding needs, and estimating emissions from vehicle use. The other terms mentioned relate to specific aspects of traffic volume. Average Daily Traffic refers to the average number of vehicles passing a specific point on a roadway over a 24-hour period. Annual Daily Traffic aggregates traffic data over a year, again averaging daily vehicle counts. Peak Hour Volume measures the maximum number of vehicles that pass a given point in an hour, which is more about understanding congestion and peak travel times. None of these alternatives provide the comprehensive overview of total vehicle miles traveled as VMT does.