ATSSA Applauds House Transportation Committee Passage of Highway Authorization

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) congratulates the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on the passage of H.R. 7, the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act. The Committee's commitment to safety is demonstrated through the doubling of funding for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).  A 2010 study by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) attributed much of the decline in roadway fatalities over the past five years to infrastructure improvements funded by this program.  Additional funding for HSIP will continue to drive down fatalities across the country and move the nation Toward Zero Deaths.

"Literally thousands of Americans arrive home safely every day as a result of the Highway Safety Improvement Program," said Roger Wentz, President and CEO of ATSSA.  "And, safety improvements such as median barrier, rumble strips and brighter signs and markings pay dividends year after year," added Wentz.

Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have contributed to ensuring that safety is a central component to the new transportation authorization. Chairmen John Mica (R-Fla.) and John Duncan (R-Tenn.), Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), and Reps. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), Lou Barletta (R-Pa.), Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.) and Mike Michaud (D-Maine) are all commended on their leadership and vision for safer roads in America.

ATSSA would like to thank Representative Altmire for offering a successful amendment during the committee markup that will improve America's roadway infrastructure for older drivers and pedestrians.  "By 2030, nearly 25 percent of drivers will be 65 or older," stated Congressman Altmire, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  "My amendment encourages states to consider cost-effective road safety improvements for both older drivers and pedestrians.  I thank the American Traffic Safety Services Association for supporting this amendment and I look forward to working with them in the future to make America's roads safer."

Passage of this legislation by the full House and a parallel bill in the Senate are critical to the long term safety of our roadways. ATSSA encourages both chambers to move quickly to pass a final bill.

ATSSA is an international roadway safety trade association located in Fredericksburg, Va. Since 1969, ATSSA has represented companies and individuals in the traffic control and roadway safety industry.

For more information, visit ATSSA.com or contact Laura Perrotta at 202-454-5246 or by e-mail at [email protected].

SOURCE American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)