FREDERICKSBURG, Va., April 18 /PRNewswire/ — Senator John McCain’s recent
proposal for a three-month “gas tax holiday” would have a devastating effect
on America’s roadways, according to the American Traffic Safety Services
Association (ATSSA), a national roadway safety organization.
“Almost 43,000 people die on our highways every year, and the key programs
designed to reduce that number and save lives are funded by the federal user
fee. Suspending that revenue source would certainly lead to the suspension of
those life-saving programs,” said ATSSA President Henry Ross.
The current federal-aid highway program, that is funded by the 18.4 cents
a gallon user fee, includes monies specifically targeted toward roadway
safety. The “Highway Safety Improvement Program” provides about $1.25 billion
annually to the states to make their roadways safer. Federal guidelines ensure
that these funds are spent on safety improvements.
For example, many motorists have probably noticed the increased use of
median cable barrier in states across the country. This life saving device
prevents errant motorists from crossing a median at high speeds and killing or
severely injuring themselves or other drivers. It has been determined to be
94 - 100 percent effective.
“The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
has estimated that the average motorist would save about $28 annually. ATSSA
is confident that American road users would gladly pay $28 a year to ensure
that their mother, father, sister, brother or child would get home safely,”
said Ross.
Since 1969, ATSSA has represented companies and individuals in the traffic
control and roadway safety industry. Over 1,600 ATSSA members provide the
majority of features, services and devices used to make our nation’s roadways
safer. These include pavement markings, road signs, work zone traffic control
devices, guardrail, and other roadside safety features. ATSSA is headquartered
in Fredericksburg, Va.
Contact: James Baron
Director of Communications
American Traffic Safety Services Association
1-540-368-1701 ext. 113
SOURCE American Traffic Safety Services Association