Restore T.R.U.S.T.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. T.W. Shannon
Capitol: (405) 557-7374
December 17, 2010

OKLAHOMA CITY –Oklahoma Department of Transportation figures show that traffic fatalities are falling prove the effectiveness of recent transportation investments, state Rep. T.W. Shannon said today.
“We have been working hard at the Legislature to fund road and bridge projects, so you can imagine how it makes me feel to learn that our efforts may be contributing to fewer lives lost,” said Shannon, a Lawton Republican who chairs the House Transportation Committee, said. “I plan to highlight these statistics in budget discussions this year to ensure that transportation projects continue to be a priority.”
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation maintains a database on transportation statistics in the state. One of the items that is tracked on a monthly basis is accident and fatality statistics. The total number of fatalities on non-turnpike highways is down from 433 in 2009 to 311 this year (as of the end of November). Fatalities were as high as 488 in 2006.
The number of fatalities resulting from crossover accidents in non-turnpike, divided highways is down from 13 in 2009 to five for 2010. The number was 39 in 2007.
“We began prioritizing highway bridge and road projects in 2006 and I believe we are seeing the results of making them a priority,” Shannon said. “The Department of Transportation uses these accident and fatality statistics to determine what projects take priority. I cannot think of a better use of taxpayer dollars than ensuring citizens’ safety while on the road.”
David McCorkell, CEO of a trucking company based in Oklahoma, said that roads and bridges are a crucial economic investment as well.
“As Oklahoma improves its roads and bridges, I believe they will see more investment from trucking and other transportation industries,” McCorkell said. “Highways are how goods are moved in this country and the better shape they are in, the more companies want to use them.”