Begin forwarded message:
From: Jason Darfus <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: September 3, 2004 14:52:06 EDT
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Metric signage
Mr. James M. Roth,
Several months ago I wrote a letter to Gordon Proctor voicing my support of the International System of Units (a.k.a. metric system) and I asked him about the possibility of continuing its use at ODOT, including the posting of metric highway signs. The only dual-unit sign I have ever seen in Ohio is that which is posted on I-71 between Columbus and Cleveland. Mr. Proctor informed me that while it would quite literally take an act of Congress to allow for metric speed limit signs, he said there is some discretion that can be afforded to distance signs (as evidenced by that on I-71).
Mr. Proctor referred me to you, as the signing engineer, with any further questions. My question to you, sir, is what are your inclinations toward reintroducing metric signage throughout Ohio? Personally, I don't advocate dual-units because, first of all, most cars don't have odometers that measure in kilometers. This would primarily be for the benefit of Canadians who have crossed the border in their own cars and for those of us with digital odometers who have set them to kilometers. Secondly, given both units on a sign, most people will simply ignore the metric units. My proposal is to replace all the small distance signs that indicate the approach to an intersection. Example: on my way to work over by the Columbus airport, I exit from I-670 to Steltzer road. Before I reach that intersection, there is a sign indicating 1500 feet to the intersection. What would be your position in changing these types of signs to say, in this instance, "450 meters" or "450 m"? No dual units would be given. This could be accomplished (more quickly and economically than replacement) by using adhesive overlays as the Canadians did in their sign metrication campaign.
I look forward to hearing your comments and maybe we can start an ongoing dialog on this matter. Hopefully this is something that Ohio can do to help the flagging progress toward metrication - an affair that has put the entire world ahead of the United States.
Jason D. Darfus
Columbus, OH
