'The Spoken Wheel' Campaign Gives Voice to Nation's 'Deceased' Hubcaps

MIAMI, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami-based The EZ Street Company today announced the launch of "The Spoken Wheel" campaign, an engaging direct mail program designed to focus attention on the poor state of the nation's roads and serve as a call to action to federal and state governments.  By sending "deceased" hubcaps to civic and business leaders, along with toe tags outlining the circumstances of their "deaths," The EZ Street Company hopes to reinvigorate dialogue on the urgent need for additional funding for roads and highways.

"The Spoken Wheel campaign is an alternative way to bring attention to a serious situation facing our country's infrastructure," said Dag Seagren, president of The EZ Street Company, who noted that every $1 spent to keep a road in good shape saves $7 in reconstruction costs.  

"America's infrastructure program is presently in disarray and we feel that Congress needs to get it under better financial footing through the development of a true long-term strategy for investment," he added. "Unfortunately, the $70 billion we are investing today in road preservation doesn't even keep our roads in a basic state of 'good' repair.  Roads continue to be a vital and essential part of America's transportation network."

According to a report published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), one-third of the nation's highways – interstates, freeways and major roads – are in poor or mediocre condition.  These rough roads add an average of $400 to the annual cost of owning a car – an additional $750 or more in some cities – due to damaged tires, suspensions and reduced fuel efficiency.  Major urban centers reportedly have the roughest roads; more than 60 percent of the roads in the greater Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco-Oakland, Honolulu and Washington, DC are said to offer a poor ride.  

AASHTO's report points out that traffic growth has far outpaced highway construction, particularly in major metropolitan areas.  And, while the federal stimulus program is providing assistance towards repairing some of the nation's roads, it will take a significant long-term investment by all levels of government to provide Americans with a smooth ride.

"With a legislative agenda consisting of the economy, health care reform, climate change and deficits, we must engage Washington in the development of a common plan for investment in our highways and bridges," commented Jay Hansen, Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Asphalt Pavement Association.  "Today, we are spending $70 billion annually; to maintain our roads would require $185 billion per year and to improve them would require $276 billion a year.  Where that investment will come from is the conversation that must take place."

Information on "The Spoken Wheel" campaign can be found at www.pothole.info.  Here visitors will find a host of interactive content designed to educate users about the importance of America's roads and to enlighten at a grass roots level.  Central to the campaign is a 30-second TV spot called "The Hubcap," which can also be viewed on the site.

Founded in 1995 and with headquarters in Miami, Florida, The EZ Street Company is committed to revolutionizing the building materials category – one pothole at a time.  The innovative company has an active presence in 25 states and nine countries where it is known for its namesake product, EZ STREET® Cold Asphalt – a temperature-resistant asphalt that instantly repairs potholes.  Developed for both residential and industrial use, EZ STREET Cold Asphalt is custom blended by the company's licensees to meet the specific needs of any climate, ensuring durability and reliability.  EZ STREET products are produced through a network of licensees utilizing their existing plant and equipment.  Each EZ STREET design is unique to its location and all utilize the highest quality raw materials available.  For more information, call 305.663.3090 or visit

www.ezstreetasphalt.com.

SOURCE The EZ Street Company