Letter to the Editor:

Transportation Infrastructure Investment Equals Lives Saved

Submitted by;

Leslie Gamble, AAA Oklahoma Manager of Public & Governmental Affairs

On behalf of AAA’s 404,000 Oklahoma members, I commend the excellent work of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation with its new eight-year 6.1 billion dollar transportation infrastructure plan. This is an important investment that will address many of the poorest road and bridge conditions in our state and by doing so, save lives.

AAA members and other motorists put their lives and those of their families at risk every day when driving on aging roads and bridges in need of repair. When these systems deteriorate, it’s not only frustrating, but it imposes a real cost in terms of safety, time and vehicle maintenance. A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety determined that tens of thousands of lives can be saved and our roadways can be made safer by investing in necessary infrastructure improvements. It is critical that limited resources are targeted where they will have the greatest impact.

AAA supports adequate infrastructure funding, for both mobility and safety. Revenues generated from taxes, fees and other pricing mechanisms paid by motorists must be dedicated solely to meeting identified transportation needs and protected from diversion to other uses. We urge lawmakers to sustain funding of road improvements for the benefit of all Oklahoma motorists. Road infrastructure investments play a prominent role in reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Along with other transportation improvements and safety programs – including technology advancements, stronger traffic laws, increased enforcement, effective public education and better emergency medical services – these investments will move us closer to our state and national goal of zero deaths.

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AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 59million members nationwide and more than 400,000 members in Oklahoma.AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.For more information, visitwww.AAA.com.

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