What Are the Costs of Our Aging Infrastructure?

Published on: 07 November 2016 Last Updated on: 17 August 2019
asphalt

After World War II, America became a global leader of commerce and saw an incredible boom in the prosperity of its citizens. This was fueled, in large part, by the building of infrastructure and the rise of the middle class in our country. Over a 50-year period, beginning in the 1950s, the United States invested billions of dollars into its infrastructure by building roads, airports and schools that were innovative and ambitious and that literally paved the way for one of the most impressive stretches of growth experienced by any nation in global history.

This small bit of U.S. history is vital to understanding a major problem we currently face. The ambitious undertaking of building America’s infrastructure has slowly become a serious economic challenge. There is a seemingly endless stream of news reports and columns devoted to the daunting task of fixing all parts of our infrastructure, including our roads, bridges, airports, oil lines, water lines and waterways. But we don’t have to look to newspapers or scholarly essays about the challenges posed by our aging infrastructure. We experience it on a daily basis, from the potholes that cause tire blowouts to the corroded service lines that have unleashed dangerously high levels of lead and caused upheaval in a number of communities across our nation.

There has been much effort devoted to examining the challenges, the costs and the need for fixing our infrastructure. Let’s break down just a few of the categories to get a better perspective on what we need and why we need it.

Roads

Our roadway infrastructure, which includes highways, interstates and local roads, received a “D” grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Fixing our infrastructure will be costly, and the fact that federal funding accounts for only a small percentage of road funding is a reflection of the fact that our crumbling roads impact us at a very local and personal level.

The costs come in the form of stretches of roads plagued with structural deficiencies that cause our vehicles to break down and roads whose initial design, while once adequate, now fails to keep pace with the traffic they currently need to accommodate. For example, think of the long list of cities that experience incredible congestion on a daily basis or the potholes which are left unattended on our neighborhood roads.

Read also: Experts Recommend: Top Interior Design Trends for 2017

Bridges

The ASCE actually gives our bridges a “C+” grade, which – believe it or not – is one of the three highest grades given to 16 categories graded by the organization. Even though it is graded slightly higher than other sectors of our infrastructure, it is still in dire need of repair.

The cost to drivers also comes in the form of breaks in surfaces and inability to accommodate traffic flow, but perhaps more alarming is the possibility of collapse. Another important statistic before we move on to the next category: One out of every 10 bridges in the United States is structurally deficient.

Pipelines

While our roads and our bridges are often several decades old, many of the pipes used in the United States are even older. It is not uncommon for certain systems to have been built over a century ago, long before we knew just how dangerous the materials used would become for future generations.

Two examples highlight our challenges in this particular area. First is the lead contamination of our drinking water that has caused lead poisoning of communities across the country. The ASCE’s latest report card gives our drinking water infrastructure a “D” grade. The costs, they say, could be up to $1 trillion over the coming decades.

The second example is frequent gas line explosions, one of which occurs, on average, every other day in the United States, as reported by USA Today. Our energy infrastructure gets a “D+” grade from the ASCE.

Airports

Just like many other structures in the country, our airports are struggling to meet the demands of more passengers and higher volumes of traffic. The average airport in the United States is around 40 years old, and our country is struggling to fund the maintenance of these facilities, even as other countries are making available significant investments to improve their airports.

The ASCE gives our airports a “D” grade and points to the Federal Aviation Administration’s estimated cost of congestion and delays at roughly $22 billion. The investment needed to modernize and fix the infrastructure of our airports is even greater, over $75 billion, according to the Airports Council International-North America.

Schools

One of our biggest challenges is fixing the infrastructure which accommodates our young people. The majority of our schools were built for the baby boomer generation, according to the ASCE, who gives our school infrastructure a “D” grade. It will cost around $270 billion to modernize and maintain these facilities.

The aging school buildings present a number of threats for children and teachers alike. Old water lines carry contaminated water into several school systems across the United States, and structural deficiencies also make these buildings hazardous to students. Yet another danger is the presence of asbestos in school buildings.  Any school building constructed prior to 1980 is likely to have asbestos. Once asbestos deteriorates or becomes airborne, it can cause serious complications to those who are exposed to it, including lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Meeting Our Challenges

The costs of fixing our infrastructure are great, but the costs currently being suffered by Americans are already taking a significant toll. We are paying for the challenges we face in ways that go way beyond tax dollars and construction projects. Unfortunately, we are paying the price through injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

The same country that built these incredible stretches of roads, bridges, and pipelines is also capable of repairing them, despite the large price tag that comes with such a task. When we consider what we need to do to move forward in this country, let’s not forget about the actual roads that lay in front of us. Ignoring this responsibility will not just place a burden on future generations — it is a burden we are already carrying.

The Law Offices of John R. Colvin focus primarily in the areas of Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Workers’ Compensation, and Social Security Disability. They represent clients in the Tennessee Valley region, including Tennessee and Alabama.

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

How To Protect Yourself Legally During An Accident With A UPS Truck

How To Protect Yourself Legally During An Accident With A UPS Truck

Online shopping is the norm today and has led to a surge in UPS truck drivers on the road to cope with the increased demand for deliveries. This increase, while bene ficial in saving buyers the hassle of going to physical stores to shop, can also lead to an increase in road accidents. After all, UPS trucks can also be involved in such accidents, as is the case with all other vehicles. A UPS truck accident can lead to minor to critical injuries due to being a bigger vehicle. When this happens, you’ll need to be aware of what to do next as you explore your legal options and ensure you get compensated for damages, including your pain and suffering. That said, below are the things you need to do to ensure you're legally protected following a crash with a UPS truck. Top 5 Ways To Protect Yourself Legally During An Accident With A UPS Truck 1. Get Immediate Medical Attention Regardless of how minor your injuries may seem after a UPS truck accident, seeking medical attention should be your priority. Doing so is crucial even when you don't feel as though you're in pain, especially since some injuries like concussions don't show signs immediately and stay dormant for weeks or even months. By seeking medical attention, a medical professional can assess your condition, conduct the necessary tests, and prevent your injuries from becoming much more severe, ensuring your recovery. Aside from securing your health and well-being, getting a medical examination also provides a record of the full extent of your injuries. You can use this as evidence in court in your fight to seek adequate compensation for the damages you sustained from the accident. 2. Take Pictures And Videos Of The Accident Scene And Your Injuries One of the best ways to prove the UPS truck was responsible for an accident and increase your chances of winning your case is to take photos of the accident scene. You can do this yourself if you haven't suffered serious injuries. Alternatively, you can request a bystander to take the pictures. When taking the photos, capture different angles of the accident scene well. This can help get a better idea of the extent of damage resulting from the incident. Also, it’d be best to capture the license plates of the vehicles involved. Pictures are great evidence, especially when dealing with a big corporation such as UPS. This evidence can go a long way in establishing what happened and proving your claims that they’re responsible for the incident. In addition, you should also take pictures of any injury suffered following your crash with the UPS truck. This step is highly recommended since cuts, bruises, and other injuries fade and heal over time. As such, doing so can help provide a clear idea of how severe the injuries were to help determine your compensation. 3. Contact A Legal Professional UPS is a huge corporation with thousands of drivers spread parts in the United States. This company maintains files on all its drivers and records transport routes to maintain smooth operation. They also provide all drivers with internal training materials and safety programs. But despite all this, UPS truck accidents still happen. If you're a victim, you must contact a personal injury lawyer. With a legal professional's guidance, you'll know your legal rights. This is vital because UPS truck accident claim cases often get complicated, so you’ll need proper guidance as you navigate the complex process of pursuing a case. A legal professional is also better suited to examine the case to determine your deserved compensation. 4. Call The Police To File A Report Another way to legally protect yourself after an accident with a UPS truck is to contact the police. They can help you file a traffic accident report and put it all on record. The report should present a clear record of certain crucial details, such as: The accident's location Date and time of the accident Photos of the destroyed vehicle The weather conditions outline whether it was sunny, foggy, or rainy Other details explaining what might have led to the accident, such as failure to use the turn signal As you file for a report and work with your lawyer, ensure all the facts about the road accident, be it your injuries or damage to your car, are factual. This can help strengthen your case and your chances of successfully getting your compensation. 5. Collect Documentation And Evidence Supporting Your Compensation Claim Whether you sustained minor or life-threatening injuries following an accident involving a UPS truck, you’re likely to spend money on medical bills to nurse you back to good health. In most cases, this will be a huge financial burden, increasing the need to win your case against the responsible party and seek compensation. But to stand a chance of winning, make sure to have compelling evidence to support your claims. To start, you can compile copies of your medical bills and expenses. The medical bills you'll need to pay during your hospital visits may include the following: Physician visits Inpatient care expenses Physical therapy Medical prescriptions and devices Scans and x-rays Surgeries If there's a need for more medical care in the future, also include the documentation. You can consult your physician and do your research to get an overview of how much this future treatment will cost. Aside from medical bills, you could also prepare a summary and proof of other economic damages or tangible losses you sustained following the accident. This includes lost wages due to accident-related injuries and property damages. You can get an accredited auto repair facility to examine the extent of your car's damages. Wrapping It Up It's not anyone's wish to get involved in a road accident, more so with a delivery vehicle bigger than your car. But in the unfortunate event you get involved in an accident with a UPS truck, knowing your next steps can be beneficial. This guide has outlined insights you need to know to help you deal with such an incident. Hopefully, you can be guided as you navigate the legal process of getting the compensation you deserve. Read Also: Steps to Filing a Car Accident Claim in Waukegan Legal Ways to Determining Fault for an Arizona Truck Accident Filing A Personal Injury Lawsuit In South Carolina: Here Are 7 Things You Should Know

READ MOREDetails
Long-Term Disability

An Introduction to Long-Term Disability Claims

If you suffer an injury or are diagnosed with a physical or mental illness that will prevent you from working, knowing what supports are available and which ones you are and aren’t entitled to can be confusing and stressful. Even if you or your employer have purchased an insurance plan that includes long-term disability coverage, filing a claim and receiving benefits is often easier said than done. An LTD lawyer is one of the first people you should speak to if you are disabled by chronic conditions, injuries, or illnesses. They know the publicly available programs and can point you in the right direction. But the real value they provide is by helping you receive the long-term disability benefits you are entitled to that insurance companies often deny unrepresented claimants. If you’ve never filed a claim before and are new to the world of injury benefits, here is some basic information you need to know: What is Long-Term Disability Insurance? Long-term disability insurance is coverage that can provide you with a portion of your income when you’re suffering from an illness or injury severe enough that you are unable to work for an extended period of time. These payments can help you cover your living and medical expenses. Some policies are meant to top up disability benefits available through public programs, such as Canada Pension Plan and the Ontario Disability Support Program. The insurance policy may require you to apply for these programs as well. What Injuries and Illnesses Does LTD Insurance Cover? Most long-term disability plans cover many severe illnesses and chronic conditions, but there may be a few that are excluded from your policy, so refer to it to ensure that your condition is covered. The policy will also tell you the eligibility requirements for LTD benefits. Generally speaking, your illness or injury must be severe enough that it prevents you from performing a substantial portion of your job to qualify for coverage. Examples of illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions that long-term disability claims commonly cover include: Fibromyalgia Various types of arthritis Chronic fatigue syndrome Degenerative disc disease Bulging discs Adjustment disorder Major depressive disorder Anxiety disorders Crohn’s disease Diabetes Multiple sclerosis Cancer It’s important to note that the injury or illness does not have to be job-related for you to qualify for LTD benefits. How Long Does it Take To Start Receiving Benefits? Many insurance policies require you to be off work for a certain amount of time before you are eligible to receive benefits. This is often called the “qualifying” or “elimination” period and can range anywhere from 90 to 180 days. The exact amount of time is stated in your policy. To support yourself in the meantime, your insurance coverage may also include short-term disability benefits that you can access while you wait to be moved to the LTD plan. If it does not, you can apply for Employment Insurance sickness benefits that provide qualifying individuals with up to 15 weeks of benefits at 55% of their salary up to a maximum of $638 per week. How Much Does Someone Receive on LTD Benefits? If you’ve purchased your own private insurance policy, the amount you would receive was likely predetermined and will be stated in the policy. If you are part of an employer-sponsored group plan, benefits can cover anywhere between 50 to 80% of the salary you were earning before the disability - subject to any policy maximums. What do I do if My Claim is Denied? The first thing to remember is not to panic or get discouraged. Insurance companies commonly deny claims. If you didn’t consult a disability lawyer before applying, now is the time to do so. There are time limits to appeal the denial or file a lawsuit, so speak to a lawyer as quickly as possible. If you’re worried about how you will pay for a disability lawyer, many of them offer contingency fees. This means that if they don’t get you money from the insurance company, you don’t pay. Read Also: WHY ARE MORE THAN HALF OF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS DENIED? 5 Things to Consider While Medicaid Planning – Keep This In Mind! Business Insurance Covering Tree Trimmers: Insurance Policies You Need To Know

READ MOREDetails
Get A Settlement From A Car Accident Without A Lawyer

Is It Possible To Get A Settlement From A Car Accident Without A Lawyer?

Car accidents are common. The figures are earth-shattering - at least three million crashes every year. With too much at stake, victims must file for a claim, either with their insurance company or that of the other drivers. Many people shy away from hiring professional lawyers because they believe that lawyers are expensive. Most people do not know that when you speak to a St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer for the first time, it is usually free of cost. Most professional accident lawyers accept their fees after their clients get their claims settled by the insurance companies. How to File a Car Accident Compensation Claim? Nonetheless, if you have chosen to go alone and on your own, you need to follow these steps to get a justified claim settled. Assess the damage to your car. The first step is to inspect your car to get an estimate of the damage. If you have no experience, get an experienced person to do so. Assess your injuries and estimate the same. You will have your medical records and bills to get an estimate of what you have already spent on your treatment. Under this subhead, you need to mention the future expected expenses too. It could be a bit difficult calculating all of this and putting a sum. With an experienced lawyer, this step can become easier and convenient. It would help if you also tuned in financial losses resulting from a loss in work. The next stage is after filing your claim application. The insurance company will send over their insurance adjusters to assess the damage and make an estimate. Even if the adjusters seem friendly, they are obligated to keep the costs of the insurance company low in their hearts. Therefore, they will try all tricks under the sun to pressurize you to accept and settle for a lower amount than you originally estimated. There will be some amount of negotiation, too, and you need to be extremely careful and cautious. If your insurance company is pressurizing you to accept a lower claim amount, you need to put in your demand letter. In this letter, you need to present your side of the story. Tell the insurance company why you deserve a higher value. Ensure to present all medical records, car repair bills, etc., as pieces of evidence. Now, the insurance comes with a counter-offer. If not, they will negotiate hard with you. It is time to keep your cool and not panic. If your evidence is in place and you are sure about your claim, stick by it. You may now decide to go to court. Many insurance companies will agree to an out-of-court settlement - so, you might want to consider the same. If not, ensure to prepare your case with due diligence. Your records and evidence have to be intact and enough to prove your case. Also, take into account the expenses that you would need to bear additionally. The Final Word: Yes, you can get a claim settlement without a lawyer. There are lots of ifs and buts in this, though. With a qualified and licensed St. Petersburg car accident lawyer, you have a better chance to get a fair claim settlement. Read Also: Florida Car Accident Lawyer: The Ultimate Approach to Winning Car Accident Cases How to Handle a Car Accident? Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident that wasn’t My Fault  

READ MOREDetails