New Year, New Roads?
Happy New Year! This year, it’s not only a new year—it’s a new decade! Do you make New Year’s resolutions? For example, many people go to the gym or aim to volunteer. But how can you accomplish any goals when your roads are falling apart? In Louisiana, our terrible roads are affecting more of your life than you may realize. Repairing our roads and bridges could help more Louisiana residents meet their New Year’s resolutions in 2020. Let’s fix Louisiana roads and bridges!
Why Make Resolutions?
According to the History Channel, we didn’t celebrate New Year’s in January until we adopted the Gregorian calendar in the 1500s. However, resolutions—or a version of them—have been practiced since ancient Babylonia. What started as making promises to pagan gods has evolved into a secular practice of self-improvement. As many as 45% of Americans plan resolutions every year, but only 8% are successful! If you usually fail at keeping your resolutions, have you ever thought that Louisiana’s terrible roads might be partly to blame? Here’s a look at some of the most common resolutions and how FINALLY fixing Louisiana’s roads could help you make them!
Resolution #1: Save Money
Our finances are often on our minds at the beginning of a new year. It’s time to review the past year’s expenses, gather tax documents, and make a new budget. All of us are always looking for ways to save more money. Turns out, bad roads cost us hundreds of dollars. EVery year, Louisiana residents pay an average of more than $600 of added vehicle operating costs due to our terrible roads. Crumbling roads and bridges also contribute to higher fuel costs and—in the worst cases—hospital bills from the accidents they cause. On a higher level, they’re also affecting the statewide economy by costing us jobs, tourism, and business.
Resolution #2: Stop Wasting Time
We all might be guilty of wasting too much time on our phones. Or, maybe you spend a little too much time in front of your Netflix shows. But how much MORE time are you wasting in your car? Seemingly endless commutes, hours in standstill traffic, and long detours to avoid crumbling bridges—the hours can really add up. Depending on where you live in Louisiana, you could be losing up to TWO FULL DAYS every year. Think about what you could do if you got all that time back! You could make more memories with your kids, tackle a new project or hobby, or even watch more Netflix shows (we don’t judge).
Resolution #3: Be Healthier
Better roads could even help you be healthier! One barrier to you getting exercise is the state of the streets in your area. Maybe you’re interested in walking or biking more this year. Potholes and bicycle tires certainly don’t mix. And it can be scary to walk or run while cars are trying to dodge road damage. A better road could motivate you to get out and use it in more ways that one!
Take Action And Make 2020 The Year We Fix Louisiana Roads!
So, how can you help make 2020 the year Louisiana FINALLY fixes its roads? Take action with the Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads. Using this online form, you can contact Louisiana lawmakers to demand action to fix our roads and bridges. Let them know you expect them to resolve to do their jobs. There is currently a $26.4 billion backlog of road and bridge projects. It’s reached a level of emergency—we need a special session for our government to address this. New roads would make for a happier New Year for all of Louisiana.