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According to a new report from the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, Americans drove almost 3 trillion miles in 2013. This is the highest driving level since 2007 and the fourth-highest ever recorded in the near-80-year history of FHWA’s “Highway Statistics” report.
The US DoT and FHWA see this data as proof positive that there needs to be a greater emphasis placed on the infrastructure of American roadways. More driving necessitates more money dedicated to the upkeep and improvement of roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure overall.
“Transportation is a critical engine of the nation’s economy,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “To prepare for the needs of the 21st century, Congress needs to pass the President’s GROW AMERICA Act. It would provide innovative financial assistance for infrastructure projects and increase investments to meet the growing transit needs of communities—whether urban, suburban or rural.”
Among other things, the GROW AMERICA Act will provide $317 billion for repairs and improvements and $115 billion to public transportation.
The study also showed an increase in the number of vehicles on roadways around the country, rising from 253.6 million vehicles in 2012 to 255.9 million vehicles in 2013.
The full report touches upon everything from bridges and highway infrastructure to the demographics of all US drivers. It’s surprisingly compelling stuff.
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