In Reader’s Digest’s recent rankings of Best Roads in America, Louisiana was ranked last, indicating that we have the worst roads in the United States. In the rating for Deadliest Roads, we received second place, and we rated a third place ribbon for the Deadliest Roads for DUI. The only category where we had a somewhat positive rating was in the Deadliest Roads for Speeding in that we were not listed in the top 10.
In compiling the statistics, Reader’s Digest used the most recent federal data and measured highway and bridge conditions, congestion, and safety. There was good news in that states were found to be spending more money to build and maintain their roadways and, in fact, highway fatalities are decreasing. However, even with a decrease, more than 37,000 Americans died in automobile accidents in 2008. This number is more than double the number of people who die from homicides each year of which we are constantly reminded. Most of us are unaware of the vast number of automobile accidents that result in serious injuries, damages, and fatalities occurring as a result of defective roads.
In Louisiana, we constantly hear that our roads are bad because we do not have enough money for construction and repair. We also hear that same litany in regards to our educational system wherein we are told that our disproportionately high number of drop-outs and illiterate children stem from a lack of finances. It is time that we in Louisiana start prioritizing what is important to ourselves, our communities, and our state. We need to be pro-active and demand accountability for the roads and schools in our area and the state. We need to get involved as individuals and communities.
I have seen first-hand how one involved person can make a difference. I recently represented an individual in regards to a highway defect case in which the defendant driver, traveling from Texas through our state, hydroplaned into my client’s car, causing serious and permanent injuries to my client. After investigating the roadway, it was obvious that there were ruts in the highway and no proper runoff. Water accumulated in the ruts during wet weather. Further investigation revealed that there had been many accidents on that particular stretch of roadway. The roadway was simply defective, dangerous and in need of repair.
While roadways are expensive to repair, there are simple things that can be done to warn motorists and thereby reduce accidents and even fatalities. In this case, an individual who lived in the area sent an email to the individuals in charge of mending the roadway and advised of the dangerous condition of the roadway and his concern for not only his family but for anyone traversing the area. It was not long after that email that a warning sign was posted. While it was too late to help my client, there is no telling how many families have been spared, funerals have been put on hold, and serious injuries avoided as a result of that simple sign.
While sometimes a lawsuit puts entities on notice to make changes, it is usually instituted after damage has been done. When a citizen like you or me takes the time to notify someone of a problem, it can make a major difference. I therefore urge you to talk to your legislators and your local officials. Advise them of any dangerous roadways in your area and voice any ideas or recommendations you may have. Help Louisiana lose the title “Worst Roadways in America.”
I also encourage you to stand up and speak out on educational issues that affect our children and therefore our future in this state. As Dr. Seuss says, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
