The latest congressional plan to trim 4.3 cents off a gallon of gasoline might provide immediate relief for drivers this summer in need of a vacation, but how many lives will be lost in the process?
This latest congressional proposal drains nearly $600 million a month from the Highway Trust Fund set aside for all 50 states to upgrade and fix their aging roads. Many of America’s roadways were built in the 1950s and lack the latest in roadway safety features and technology. These roads of a bygone era have poor signage and striping that is not reflective and cannot be seen at night. Already more than 40,000 roadway deaths occur each year, many because a driver cannot see a sign or a drowsy driver runs off the road without the benefit of a “rumble strip.” How many more will die this summer to save a few cents on a gallon of gas?
I’d venture to say most Americans would not feel comfortable traveling cross-country in an unrestored 1957 Chevrolet. Why then should American drivers settle for an unrestored road–one that lacks the brightest signs, stripes, guardrails and lights already available?
Current law gives America the financial backing to make significant steps, but now the Highway Trust Fund has become the latest political football to be punted out of bounds. If you think the potholes are bad now, just wait.
America’s roads will continue to deteriorate rapidly due to higher volumes of traffic, more trucks and faster cars. What’s worse, if this ill-conceived proposal is enacted, it is unlikely that the results will ever be seen at the gas pump. As gas prices continue to rise, taxpayer money will simply be funneled to OPEC.
