According to a new study from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, more and more Americans are living without cars. In 2007, the American public reached an all-time low in terms of living without cars, at just 8.7 percent. But the number is starting to trend upward, with 2011 marking a rise to 9.3 percent. The AASHTO says that the recession isn’t to blame – instead, people are just driving less. The Federal Highway Administration says that since 2004, Americans have driven less and less miles. Vehicle miles traveled per capital are also down. More and more young people are shunning cars in favor of public transportation.

Despite those facts, cars are becoming more and more affordable. AASHTO says that cars are lasting longer, too.