With the freedom and flexibility they offer, it is no wonder that the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation in both Michigan and the United States. Here are some statistics on motor vehicle use in the Great Lakes State.

• In 2004, there were 7.1 million total licensed drivers in Michigan.

• The largest age group of Michigan drivers is 45-49, with nearly 750,000 drivers falling into that bracket.

• Out of every 1,000 people in the state, 702 are licensed drivers.

• There were approximately 8.4 million registered vehicles in Michigan in 2004.

• These drivers and vehicles accounted for 101.82 billion vehicle miles traveled in 2004, an increase of nearly 19 percent in the past decade.

• By comparison, in 1995 Michigan had 6.65 million licensed drivers and 7.67 million registered vehicles. Those figures have grown by seven and nine percent, respectively.