Source: Inrix

Here's one benefit of the slowing economy. People are spending less time driving, reducing congestion in major U.S. cities, according to a report today from Kirkland-based Inrix. Seattle ranked 9th, but congestion dropped by 28 percent in the region last year. That compares to a 25 percent decline in San Francisco and New York, and a 47 percent decline in San Diego.  On average, Inrix found that Americans spent 13 fewer hours stuck in traffic last year than they did in 2007.

I haven't experienced fewer cars on Seattle roadways, but I am not commuting every day across the floating bridges. Some of my friends who drive from Seattle to the Eastside say they've noticed traffic lessening in recent months. Have you? And once the Microsoft layoffs take full effect, will the roadways open up even more?

"While less traffic is generally good news, the causes of it aren't necessarily something to celebrate," said Inrix CEO Bryan Mistele. "Traffic congestion is an excellent indicator of trends, telling us whether businesses are shipping products, whether people are going to work, and whether shoppers are going to the mall."

The report indicates that fewer people are doing all of those things, with high gas prices also having an impact.

A spinout from Microsoft Research, Inrix uses GPS-enabled vehicles, road sensors and other methods to gather traffic information on the nation's roadways.