How Highways Changed the World

That slab of concrete than most of us drive on several times a week is a part of an unprecedented network of highways that cover the US. This network began at virtually the same time that cars were becoming available for purchase. These roads allow us to be much more connected with the world but less connected with each other. We can scream down the highway at breakneck speeds to reach our destinations while stopping for gas at a station that used to be a mom and pop stop but is now a part of a national chain. Yes, we can get to where we want to go but we won't get to talk to anyone on the way.

The economy has mushroomed into a world powerhouse, in part because commerce can flow on the highway. There are many nations that are struggling with transport of people and goods because of the lack of pothole free roads.

It is virtually impossible for a country or region to grow or even function at any desirable level if there are poor roads or no highways.

I spent 4 months in India a few years back and the roads there are not that great at all. Road travel takes at least twice as long as it would in the US. While in India I took a trip to a city that was a 10 hour drive by bus. The drive was overnight with bathroom breaks taking place in alleys along the way. Sometimes the bumps were so big that we left our seats. At one point during the trip we drove by a man that had crashed his motorcycle. We did not stop nor did anyone else. I found out later that if people stop to help they are often blamed for the accident. In a way the poor quality of the roads can be blamed for this as well. If emergency workers could respond quicker via good roads there would be a lot fewer wrong conviction and more people would be willing to stop and help.

Poor roads in any country prevents much travel, business and access. As a countries roads develop their economy develops.