Quality of Life
Transportation and development go hand in hand. For Ohio to reduce its carbon footprint – and to improve the air its citizens breathe – the state must expand the use of: cleaner domestic fuels; innovative technologies and sustainable land use practices. However, Ohioans must recognize that reducing the state’s carbon footprint, promoting energy sustainability and improving air quality cannot be met through advances in fuels and technology alone. Transportation investment must be linked to sustainable land use policies that encourage denser, more efficient development and that can support transit. The state must implement “smart growth” initiatives that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and incentivize compact, transit-oriented development.
Also, Ohioans have a right to expect safe transportation conditions in all modes of travel – and nothing less than the safest transportation system in the nation will satisfy those expectations. Because most people travel on our highways, most ODOT safety initiatives focus on improving highway safety; however, as Ohio moves towards a more diverse transportation system, the state must focus on safety improvements in all modes.
Safety and Quality of Life are why people pick a place to raise their family and call it ‘home’.
- Ohio exceeds many states in a better than average roadway fatality rate – 1.13 fatalities per one million vehicle miles traveled. We must continue to lead.
- Yet, in 2007, 118,000 people died or were injured on our roads.
- Ohio must reduce its carbon footprint – the state must expand the use of: cleaner domestic fuels; innovative technologies and sustainable land use practices.
- Transportation planning in urban cores must meet expectations of many -that transportation options will be easily accessible, efficient and reliable.
