Michigan Sheriff’s Association issues statewide pothole safety message
Lansing, Mich. –– The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association launched a statewide public education campaign this week to warn Michigan drivers of the safety hazards of potholes. The campaign, issued as part of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters public education partnership program, will air on more than 300 radio and broadcast television stations statewide. The television message can be viewed here.
“The rapid freezing and thawing that March brings will add more pothole hazards to our roadways, which will mean more accidents for drivers,” said Sheriff Dale Kowalkowski, who is featured in the ad. “We’re urging drivers to be alert and use extra caution over the next couple months while they get patched.”
The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is a member of the Michigan Transportation Team, a statewide coalition working to increasing funding to fix Michigan’s aging transportation infrastructure.
“The police officers who patrol Michigan’s crumbling roadways for eight-to-ten hours each day know all too well how dangerous bad roads can be. One-third of all fatal and serious traffic crashes are in part due to poor road conditions and poor roadway design,” said Terrence Jungel, CEO of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. “And the combination of inadequate road funding and another pothole season coming upon us means that Michigan drivers can expect another spring of dangerous driving.”
Jungel notes that poor road conditions are not only dangerous to drivers, but also costs them hundreds of dollars in repairs each year. The March 2012 TRIP report states that the poor quality of Michigan roads are costing the average driver $357 annually in unnecessary repairs.
The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) is a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan’s transportation infrastructure. MTT is committed to promoting the development and maintenance of a safe, convenient and efficient transportation network that serves the public, private and economic development needs of Michigan. To learn more about Michigan’s roads crisis and transportation funding, please visit: JustFixTheRoads.com.
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