As we travel more, we increase our exposure to the risk injury in traffic crashes. About 42,000 motorists die on our roads each year, and they account for 94 percent of all transportation-related fatalities in this country. Safety is my highest priority. In addition to being a very useful survey, it reminds us of how great and wonderful it is to be an American. In the United States, we can travel virtually anywhere, any time.
Transportation is about more than concrete, asphalt and steel.
It is about opportunity. Once again, on behalf of all who benefit from the transportation system, I commend Dr. Lakshmanan and his people at the Bureau of Transportation Statistics for the tremendous effort they put forth to successfully complete this challenging and useful survey. And now, I leave you in their good hands.