Look on the Bright Side of the Gas Tax

We know. We know. It seems like we’re just trying to put more taxes on the American people! But believe us, it’s not just for us—it’s a benefit for all of us down the “road.”

Let Me Count the Ways

Remember the I-35 W Bridge in Minneapolis? Just seven years ago, this bridge collapsed during rush hour traffic into the Mississippi River. It was estimated that more than 140,000 vehicles per day traveled over this bridge. The National Transportation Safety Board stated a design flaw was more than likely the cause of the collapse. We all want to ensure something like this never occurs again. One way to make certain of this is—in fact—through the gas tax. The gas tax will help pay for roads and bridges, so we can ensure our roadways remain safe for drivers, by helping to fix any infrastructure flaws (like the one of the Minneapolis bridge), as well as potholes.

The biggest benefit of the gas tax, of course, is not having to worry about an alternative to the gas tax being placed in effect instead. Roads and bridges are going to need to be paid for somehow. If not through the gas tax, then we are looking at more toll roads, congestion fees, or fees based on vehicle miles traveled (VMT). While congestion fees apply to drivers who use the road during high-peak times like rush hour, VMT fees are determined through a tracking device put on every car to assess how much that car actually uses the road (and are charged accordingly). Now, really, who wants any of that?

Just something to think about.