Americans Sound Off to Improve the Quality of Nation’s Highways, Roadways

Skokie, IL, March 25, 2008 --(PR.com)-- As part of an educational and advocacy campaign called “Pavements for Life” (www.pavements4life.com) motorists and taxpayers are being asked to speak out on the importance of safe, cost-effective, and environmentally-responsible choices for pavements used on America’s highways and roadways.

Site visitors have the opportunity to write short essays or even informal remarks about the right choices for sustainable, cost-efficient, safe highways and roadways.

The best of those responses will be eligible for a $500, $250, or $150 gift card presented as an honorarium for those whose personal experiences and perspectives are judged to be the most compelling arguments in favor of investment in better highway and roadway pavements. Other site visitors also may show their support simply by signing on an electronic petition in support of key issues.

Why is this important?
The “Pavements for Life” campaign is being introduced because of the importance of pavement type on the quality of our nation’s highways and roadways. For example, pavement type has a direct impact on safety, the amount of time spent in traffic, the environment, and many other aspects of the driving experience.

Although few people may consider it, pavement type also has a direct impact on personal freedom, getting products to market, and the amount of free time we have to do things that really matter most. In addition to these quality-of-life issues, the campaign centers on environmental stewardship, traffic congestion, urban noise, and wiser investment in highways and roadways.

Motorists Speak Out
The “Pavements for Life” campaign is fundamentally an educational program that provides no-nonsense information about how and why pavement choices can influence quality of life for the American public. It’s designed to show that there is a better way than the cycle of dollars spent on perpetual roadway repairs and maintenance.

Site visitors also have an opportunity to show their support by signing onto an electronic petition or by sharing their own, “Stories from the Road,” perspectives and personal experiences in 500 to 1,500 words written on any or all of five subject categories:

• Precious Cargo - highlights the number one concern of the American public—safety on highways. This section illustrates how concrete roadways are safer for motorists and workers in work zones.

• Spending Wisely - covers the importance of using tax dollars wisely to make highways last longer while also reducing our dependence on oil imports.

• Quiet Zone – reveals the truth about highway noise and noise pollution.

• Environmental Advantage – includes some surprising truths about the environmental benefits of concrete highways and roadways.

• Curb Delays - deals with the frustration of costly traffic congestion which can be reduced by long-lasting concrete, which requires fewer repairs.

Personal experiences and perspectives (ranging in length from 500 to 1,500 words) can be submitted through the www.pavements4life.com or mailed to: Pavements for Life, c/o American Concrete Pavement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60077.

Mailed submissions must be postmarked by September 12, 2008. Submissions sent through the website must be received no later than midnight (EDT), September 12, 2008.

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