Survey: Drivers Want Better Road Maintenance and Smooth Pavements

A new survey finds U.S. drivers increasingly frustrated with the state of U.S. roads.

Not surprisingly, the national survey – conducted by the Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) — found that drivers prefer well-maintained, safe, and smooth roadways; moreover they understand these qualities require periodic maintenance and financial investment.

The survey of 3,085 drivers and commercial truck drivers comes as Congress faces reauthorization of U.S. transportation and infrastructure funding this fall and a looming revenue shortfall for the Federal Highway Trust Fund this summer.

Specifically, the survey revealed that:

• 84% of drivers and 73% of commercial truckers want well-maintained roads without the inconvenience of roadway shutdowns by having maintenance performed during off-peak hours and the road open for rush hour.
• When presented with 14 factors for officials to consider when building a road, 56% of drivers selected safety as one of their top three priorities.
• Most drivers, 69%, said they are willing to accept periodic maintenance delays if it means they get to enjoy a smooth driving experience.
• 86%  of drivers and 78% of commercial truckers feel spending priorities should focus on the maintenance and repair of existing roads, rather than on building new roads.
• A majority, 51% of drivers and 52% of truckers, support new or additional funding mechanisms to ensure adequate funding for roadway maintenance and construction.

“These results emphasize the need to increase investment in our nation’s aging infrastructure and to put a greater emphasis on ensuring a consistent level of drivability for road users,” said Mike Acott, President of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).

Category: General Update