(10/06/09) — U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) speaks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about his ongoing efforts to make roads safer for older drivers. Congressman Altmire is the lead sponsor of the Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 3355), which would invest $500 million annually in making improvements to our nations roads that will better accommodate older drivers needs and improve traffic safety.
While some of the bills provisions are good idea regardless of the age of the driver the rest either seem redundant, unattainable or not thought through. Read it for yourself.
Is it really necessary to make a “minimum level of retroreflectivity” for ALL roads open to public travel? Here in Lancaster county there are thousands of miles of back roads which would be safer if they had a proper width, filled pothole or any markings at all.
Why mandate new curb ramps when local cities have already done so for their disabled citizens.
Personally I believe that the local municipalities, townships and cities should be the ones deciding which things to implement instead of mandating such broad statewide standards. The local governments have more knowledge, more flexibility and I believe a greater desire to keep their roads safe.
While it’s a nice thought I think the issue should be left to local governments to take care off.
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