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Author	Topic: 'Roadmap' to State Highway Safety might save U.S. billions	Post a Reply Back to Topics

PD Moderator	Message Posted: May 22, 2012 10:46:37 AM Ignore PD Report Abuse With over 4 million miles of roadway, Americans are afforded exceptional freedom of mobility. Yet the mobility our nation’s highway system provides us also comes with an enormous social cost – 5.4 million crashes annually resulting in almost 33,000 fatalities on average and 2.2 million injuries, at an economic cost to society of more than $230 billion. Every day 90 people are killed on America’s streets and highways, while more than 6,000 are injured. Unfortunately, too many state legislatures are not taking proactive steps to reduce these numbers by enacting effective and proven highway safety laws. So says the Washington-based Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, a coalition of insurance, consumer, health, safety and law enforcement... Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

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Message Posted: May 22, 2012 10:46:37 AM

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With over 4 million miles of roadway, Americans are afforded exceptional freedom of mobility. Yet the mobility our nation’s highway system provides us also comes with an enormous social cost – 5.4 million crashes annually resulting in almost 33,000 fatalities on average and 2.2 million injuries, at an economic cost to society of more than $230 billion.

Every day 90 people are killed on America’s streets and highways, while more than 6,000 are injured. Unfortunately, too many state legislatures are not taking proactive steps to reduce these numbers by enacting effective and proven highway safety laws. So says the Washington-based Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, a coalition of insurance, consumer, health, safety and law enforcement...

Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

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Ripstor Sophomore Author Indiana Posts:108 Points:13,835 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 2:12:30 PM Ignore Ripstor Report Abuse Politics always trumps safety unless the masses rise up and threaten to get involved and vote.
mrjames1818 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,540 Points:1,997,120 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2012 1:29:42 PM Ignore mrjames1818 Report Abuse The US DOT usually withholds Federal Highway funds from states that do not comply with laws that they deem important. So which of these laws are important?
vjs3 Champion Author Denver Posts:2,531 Points:648,715 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: May 27, 2012 11:27:03 AM Ignore vjs3 Report Abuse One word... Politics.
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,121 Points:292,685 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 26, 2012 10:30:30 AM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse ok
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,347 Points:1,480,035 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: May 26, 2012 9:00:49 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse time will tell
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,609 Points:1,608,545 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: May 26, 2012 7:48:43 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse introduce mandatory driving school for ANYONE (including written and driving test at the end) who wants a driver's license. Most states allow someone with a car to teach someone with a learner's permit. We standardize everything else, why not the safety pre-requisites for our roadways? Esp. considering that sadly many of those fatalities or severe injuries are OTR drivers whose life was altered by some 4-wheeler who thought they could just clip in front to get to the exit 1 second sooner.
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,121 Points:292,685 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 24, 2012 12:38:08 PM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse tougher fines might cause people to be more careful.
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,347 Points:1,480,035 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: May 24, 2012 8:53:12 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse whatever it takes
1tallford Sophomore Author Rhode Island Posts:128 Points:22,225 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: May 24, 2012 7:09:40 AM Ignore 1tallford Report Abuse Is there any proof of effectiveness?
DrCashFlow Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:7,059 Points:1,626,150 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: May 24, 2012 5:26:31 AM Ignore DrCashFlow Report Abuse Yes, enforce the existing laws
Alfied Champion Author Riverside Posts:7,935 Points:1,755,135 Joined:Jun 2001	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 4:28:52 PM Ignore Alfied Report Abuse Keep it going.
sparky808 Champion Author Honolulu Posts:2,993 Points:597,535 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 1:33:05 PM Ignore sparky808 Report Abuse Thank you for posting.
txrojo2005 All-Star Author Austin Posts:764 Points:478,740 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 1:21:11 PM Ignore txrojo2005 Report Abuse I canot possible handle any more new laws. I suggest that for each new law that is to be passed, then one law must be repealed.
TAT36 Champion Author Florida Posts:6,799 Points:1,303,025 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 1:09:39 PM Ignore TAT36 Report Abuse We may not be able to afford the crash tax, but can we afford the extra taxes new legislation would bring? Would be nice if the politicians used the taxes that are now collected for maintaining and upgrading the roads were actually used for that purpose instead of funnelling it into the general fund where it is spent on anything and everything. We don't need more laws or taxes we just need to enforce what we have and spend the tax money for
JXQW Champion Author Kansas City Posts:2,787 Points:683,425 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 12:04:42 PM Ignore JXQW Report Abuse most of those were caused by diots who were eating, drinking, texting, "sight" seeing, and sleeping ... while driving
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:32,980 Points:2,344,535 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 12:04:04 PM Ignore tomok Report Abuse Enacting more laws with so many on the books already will not help. Enforce the ones on the books already and ensure there is No distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, eating, reading, make up application, shaving, etc. etc. etc.). Vehicles with electronic controls (computers, sensors, cameras, radar, lasers, very accurate GPS) in all vehicles to avoid collisions, stay in lane, maintain correct spacing between moving vehicles, maintain correct speed, possible high density vehicles moving on highways at the same speed and spacing so more traffic flows in less time (i.e. during rush hour), one vehicle knows where the others are to avoid collisions and crashes and detect people on sidewalks, in crosswalks, walking on side of roads and 'see' moving bicycles too. The computer is always 'watching' when the vehicle driver is not. What computer system is installed if the system crashes and the vehicle is left on the side of the road, disabled? That's why there is a human behind the controls for backup if anything happens. Save U.S. $billions? Limit 'coming out of the closet' Barry and his ‘spending gone wild’ addiction! November! Whatever the size or shape of the vehicle, Produce and ‘Drive’ vehicles with high MPG, are very reliable, have a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money. Consider using other forms of less expensive transportation to lower your cost, if possible! The price of fuel at the pump is too high! 12/22/2012!
kishoreCA Champion Author Ventura Posts:3,112 Points:391,920 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:49:04 AM Ignore kishoreCA Report Abuse a "crash tax" of more than $750 for every person in the U.S.... oh man...
rbrowdersr Champion Author Detroit Posts:5,718 Points:1,818,800 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:39:19 AM Ignore rbrowdersr Report Abuse Always be aware of dangerous drivers.
2granny Champion Author Michigan Posts:9,570 Points:1,465,280 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:28:46 AM Ignore 2granny Report Abuse Learn to drive defensively that will save lives.
RangerBob58 Champion Author Dayton Posts:3,112 Points:661,775 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:28:11 AM Ignore RangerBob58 Report Abuse Enforce cuurent law before making new ones
zaq001 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,975 Points:1,472,100 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:25:52 AM Ignore zaq001 Report Abuse Really?
greenfog Champion Author Illinois Posts:6,485 Points:1,638,045 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:22:56 AM Ignore greenfog Report Abuse there will always be idiots on the road, that is why you drive defensively.
jpmorgas Champion Author North Carolina Posts:12,472 Points:2,411,250 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:22:45 AM Ignore jpmorgas Report Abuse might ?
PaulaRed All-Star Author Utah Posts:558 Points:488,025 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:20:50 AM Ignore PaulaRed Report Abuse New way to save someones job - go in reverse.
Point__man Champion Author Raleigh Posts:4,330 Points:876,720 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:20:45 AM Ignore Point__man Report Abuse If law enforcement had the time to enforce the current laws, much of these problems would be eliminated. If the courts had the time and will power to strictly prosecute and stop cutting deals for those they like, then we would be in a better place. Not so sure we need nationwide laws as this article implies; but, they would certainly not hurt as long as they were strictly enforced ;)
GManCo Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:4,991 Points:950,615 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:20:25 AM Ignore GManCo Report Abuse More highway deaths and injury than in wars. We don't need bigger government with more laws. People feel invincible and drive that way.
Diesel_Ram Champion Author Dallas Posts:6,497 Points:1,517,485 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:18:18 AM Ignore Diesel_Ram Report Abuse Yesterdays News
Cheepo Champion Author Tampa Posts:9,889 Points:3,128,005 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:18:01 AM Ignore Cheepo Report Abuse We need more regulations and more tax money, NOT!!!!!!!
MrLuigi Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:4,768 Points:965,710 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:17:16 AM Ignore MrLuigi Report Abuse continuing with the old news I see.......come on guys how 'bout something new
Kaiyne Champion Author Chicago Posts:2,334 Points:471,740 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:16:07 AM Ignore Kaiyne Report Abuse I like this and obummer had nothing to do with it!
knutzAL Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,248 Points:372,680 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:16:05 AM Ignore knutzAL Report Abuse Libs looking for headlines with no regard to the real issue.....were free!
livewire300 Champion Author South Carolina Posts:3,370 Points:166,260 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:15:23 AM Ignore livewire300 Report Abuse Great
Emmamae1 Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,054 Points:588,215 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:14:38 AM Ignore Emmamae1 Report Abuse good news
dieselfiendSC Champion Author South Carolina Posts:2,181 Points:845,855 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:13:15 AM Ignore dieselfiendSC Report Abuse It will never be enough for these types of people, and who made them the experts.
29louieson Veteran Author Phoenix Posts:310 Points:151,500 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:13:10 AM Ignore 29louieson Report Abuse Who paid for this study and how much ?
pricechecker08 Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,871 Points:1,699,725 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:11:21 AM Ignore pricechecker08 Report Abuse Hope you understand this
ratboy1968 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,612 Points:548,050 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:10:10 AM Ignore ratboy1968 Report Abuse ok
MickDiesel Champion Author Orange County Posts:15,179 Points:2,230,880 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:09:17 AM Ignore MickDiesel Report Abuse Require helmets for all occupants of automobiles.
malfrog1 Champion Author South Bend Posts:2,196 Points:549,010 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:07:19 AM Ignore malfrog1 Report Abuse Good information. The states should pay attention. If they enforced the laws, there probably would be a major reduction in the budget deficits.
dave1745 Champion Author Gary Posts:1,262 Points:737,250 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:05:57 AM Ignore dave1745 Report Abuse good
TRAIN RIDER Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:9,072 Points:2,755,870 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:05:49 AM Ignore TRAIN RIDER Report Abuse Cars are safer today. We have the same number of fatalities that we had years ago with less cars and less mileage driven.
JWHITE1937 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:2,519 Points:996,030 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:04:16 AM Ignore JWHITE1937 Report Abuse DRIVE smarter and SLOWER
techque Champion Author St. Louis Posts:8,650 Points:2,418,655 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:03:22 AM Ignore techque Report Abuse the fascists already have stripped our freedoms in the name of safety or whatever . . . maybe it's time for another american revolution ?
puinsai808 Champion Author Honolulu Posts:3,539 Points:726,330 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:00:14 AM Ignore puinsai808 Report Abuse Yawn
jimmy544 Champion Author Boston Posts:4,104 Points:652,880 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 11:00:03 AM Ignore jimmy544 Report Abuse yesterday's news.
91Explorer All-Star Author Dallas Posts:634 Points:1,127,865 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 10:59:07 AM Ignore 91Explorer Report Abuse I'm all for saving $s
peanutsMN Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,678 Points:384,935 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 10:58:01 AM Ignore peanutsMN Report Abuse Enforce the eat belt law, booster seat law and text/cell phone law and it will make a huge difference. Everybody should be in the green then.
adgam Champion Author Orange County Posts:2,262 Points:500,880 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 10:57:05 AM Ignore adgam Report Abuse kk
NoSoup4U Champion Author Raleigh Posts:2,050 Points:951,780 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 10:55:17 AM Ignore NoSoup4U Report Abuse Here's a roadmap for safety: really punish people who text and drive. Distractions for drivers are teh biggest causes of accidents, and moron texters have got to be the number one distraction right now.
arnerator Champion Author Seattle Posts:8,179 Points:1,616,415 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: May 23, 2012 10:54:41 AM Ignore arnerator Report Abuse And just how many of those are caused by drunk drivers and texters ??