America’s Roads Receive Failing Grades

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The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issued the latest Infrastructure Report Card, which was unfavorable for the nation’s highways and other roads. Roads received a grade of D while bridges received a C+ for the condition of our bridges. Just as with school, these grades are barely passing to below average, which is a concern for drivers and all others using our nation’s roads.

What Does The Report Card Evaluate?

The report card provides a comprehensive look at the condition of America’s highways. Some elements ASCE reviews when assigning grades include:

  • Capacity to meet current and future demands
  • Condition – What is the current condition of our roads and what will road conditions be in the near future?
  • Funding – What is the current level of funding versus the estimated need for funding?
  • Future Need – Cost of improvements
  • Operation and Maintenance – Compliance issues related to infrastructure and the ability of the owner to operate and maintain infrastructure
  • Public Safety – Is safety of the public in jeopardy by the infrastructure’s condition?
  • Resilience – Can our infrastructure handle threats and recover from them with minimal consequences?
  • Innovation – Are innovative technologies being used to improve the infrastructure?

The grades represent road conditions that are:

  • A – Exceptional and fit for the future,
  • B – Good, adequate for now,
  • C – Mediocre and requires attention,
  • D – Poor and at risk, and
  • F – Failing and unfit.

A D grade for American roads means that they are in poor condition and below standard. Some of the elements are near the end of their service life and showing deterioration. The C+ grade for bridges means our bridges are in fair to good condition, but they are showing signs of deterioration that needs to be addressed. Some aspects may show deficiencies that lead to an increased level of risk for the public.

Addressing the Issue

Several options have been offered for addressing the cost of improving infrastructure around the country. One is to increase the federal gas tax, which would provide funds for this project. Some projects are already underway, but many others have been delayed. There needs to be a long-term plan for funding the many projects to repair and maintain our roadways. The goal is to improve safety for drivers not only today but in the future as well.

Why Should We Care About Infrastructure?

 Regardless of the chosen method, addressing this issue needs to become a priority. The American roadways are essential to the national economy as well as an impact on the global economy. Furthermore, improperly maintained roads are dangerous for drivers. Potholes, cracks, and other hazards increase the risk for highway and interstate accidents. Interstate accidents injure and kill thousands of people each year in the United States.  Some of those accidents are caused by roadway hazards. When a problem with the road causes an accident, the victims may have causes of action against other drivers and state, federal, or local agencies.

Call an Erie Car Accident Attorney For Help

If you are injured in a car accident, you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and damages from the party or parties responsible for causing the car accident. If a government agency is responsible or partly responsible, the case can be very complicated.  Contacting an experienced Erie car accident attorney as soon as possible is in your best interest.

Contact The Travis Law Firm toll-free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our Erie car accident attorneys.