Bad Roads Cost Local Drivers Over $1,000 a Year

Nearly three-fourths of roads in the Los Angeles- Orange County area are in poor condition, costing the average motorist more than $1,000 in annual vehicle expenses, according to a study released Thursday.

The Los Angeles/Long Beach/Santa Ana region was ranked second-worst in the nation -- behind only the San Francisco/Oakland area -- in terms of road conditions for areas with 500,000 or more residents, according to the study by TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based transportation research group.

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According to the study, 73 percent of roads in the region are in poor condition, costing the average motorist $1,031 a year in costs such as vehicle deterioration and depreciation, increased maintenance, fuel consumption and tire wear.

The San Francisco/Oakland area was ranked worth in both areas, with 74 percent of roads in bad condition, costing motorists $1,044 a year.

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San Diego ranked eighth-worst for bad roads, with 51 percent of roads in poor condition, costing motorists $843 a year -- making it ninth-worst in that category. The Riverside-San Bernardino area placed 14th worst with 46 percent of roads in poor condition, and 12th worst in terms of annual cost to motorists, at $812 a year.

“The long-term preservation and maintenance of our national transportation system depends on federal investment,” said Bud Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “We can do better than the uncertainty of short-term extensions. America needs Congress to fully fund a multi-year surface transportation bill.”

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Jill Ingrassia of the American Automobile Association said the rough roads “stress nerves and cost billions in unnecessary vehicle replacement, repair and fuel costs.”

“Full investment in our nation’s transportation system will reduce the financial burden on drivers and provide them with a smoother, safer and more efficient ride,” she said.

--City News Service; Image via Morgue File