Americans Log Most Annual Miles Since 2007
Just shy of three-trillion miles. That’s how far Americans drove in 2013.
That is the highest level since 2007 and the fourth-highest distance ever recorded since record keeping began in 1936. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, US roadways supported exactly 2.99 trillion miles of travel in 2013, while the number of vehicles also climbed from 253.6 million to 255.9 million, marking the biggest single-year increase since 2011.
SEE ALSO: Drunk Driving Deaths Declined in 2013
We had more space to roam in 2013 as well, with total available road mileage hitting an all-time high of 4.12 million miles. In 2012, road miles actually decreased compared to 2011.
Although numbers for 2014 aren’t out yet, many believe they will be record setting, beating the 3.03 trillion-mile record set in 2007. The improving economy along, falling gas prices and increased fuel efficiency in vehicles have made it easier for many Americans to get out on the road.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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