This week, WSB-TV (Channel 2) Action News had an article on the Georgia DOT's use of state prisoners to pick up trash along the Interstates... but their website doesn't have the video they showed on TV... bummers.

IIRC, this is the first time in several years that GDOT has used state prisoners for this task, given the lack of funds to otherwise pay GDOT employees to do this work.

As a Georgia taxpayer, I appreciate the fact that our state has decided to go this route in the effort to help keep our highways "litter free" and wish they would continue to use prisoners on a regular basis from this point forward.

Of all the things that litter our highways, one of the worst that I've seen (and had to dodge on occasion) would be huge chunks of blown-out tires (a.k.a. "alligators"). Fortunately, I haven't encountered any "alligators" on the freeways in recent times, but whenever I do, I'm not exactly what you'd call a "happy camper".

GDOT's policy during this time of budget cuts (IIRC) has been that their crews will remove anything that impedes the flow of traffic or otherwise makes it hazardous for drivers, and that is a good thing. (NOTE: If anyone at GDOT happens to read this post and can offer officlal insight or clarification on this particular matter, then please post in the comments or otherwise send an e-mail to steve at georgiaroadgeek dot com, and thanks in advance for doing so.)

How can I best describe the need for having safe and pleasant looking roads? The best way would be to think about how you would like your house to look whenever you invite your friends to visit. Wouldn't you want to make sure that your place was not only clean, but also free of obstacles that someone could trip over? I know I would.

Let's face facts. Our roads should be not only structurally sound, but they also should show that we take pride in our state and local communities by keeping them as clean as possible. If that means that we have to have state prisoners, local jail inmates, or other offenders who are sentenced to "community service" to do this work, then so be it. It saves tax dollars and helps make our roads look better.

Would I want to be out there in an orange jumpsuit picking up trash along the roads? HELL NO!!! Frankly, I'd be embarrassed to be seen by family, friends, and co-workers in such a position. If I were to be picking up trash along the road, then I'd rather be doing it as part of a state or local "Adopt-A-Highway" program.

That's it for now. Kudos to GDOT for their efforts to keep Georgia's roads clean and safe and thanks to y'all for reading. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and please come back often.

 

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