Final answer:
Motor vehicle travel is indeed the primary mode of transportation in the U.S., with 86.5% of Americans driving to work, largely due to the growth and influence of the automobile industry and the expansion of transportation infrastructure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that motor vehicle travel is the primary means of transportation in the United States is true. According to recent statistics, approximately 86.5 percent of Americans commute to work by car, truck, or van, which signifies the dominance of personal vehicle travel.
The development of the automobile industry in the early 20th century transformed not only the economy by spurring the growth of sectors such as glass, steel, and rubber but also shaped the social landscape, giving rise to the expansion of infrastructure, suburban living, and consumer spending at motels and restaurants along highways. Additionally, the construction of roads and highways like the Cumberland Road was instrumental in facilitating westward expansion and setting a precedent for government involvement in transportation infrastructure.