(a) Recognizing that safe and efficient highway transportation is a matter of important interest to all the people in the state, the Legislature hereby determines and declares that an integrated system of roads and highways is essential to the general welfare of the State of Oklahoma.

(b) The provision of such a system of facilities, and its efficient management, operation and control, are recognized as urgent problems, and as the proper objectives of highway legislation.

(c) Inadequate roads and streets obstruct the free flow of traffic; result in undue cost of motor vehicle operation; endanger the health and safety of the citizens of the state; depreciate property values; and impede generally economic and social progress of the state.

(d) In designating the highway systems of this state, as hereinafter provided, the Legislature places a high degree of trust in the hands of those officials whose duty it shall be, within the limits of available funds, to plan, develop, operate, maintain and protect the highway facilities of this state, for present as well as for future use.

(e) To this end, it is the intent of the Legislature to make the State Highway Commission and its Director, and the Department of Highways of the State of Oklahoma acting through the Commission, custodian of the State Highway System and to provide sufficiently broad authority to enable the Commission and the Department to function adequately and efficiently in all areas of appropriate jurisdiction, subject to the limitations of the Constitution and the legislative mandate hereinafter imposed.

(f) The Legislature intends to declare, in general terms, the powers and duties of the Commission and its Director, leaving specific details to be determined by reasonable rules, regulations and policies which may be promulgated by the Commission. In short, the Legislature intends by a general grant of authority to the Commission to delegate sufficient power and authority to enable the Commission and the Department to carry out the broad objectives stated above.

(g) It is the further intent of the Legislature to bestow upon the boards of county commissioners similar authority with respect to the county highway system. The efficient management, operation and control of our county roads and other public thoroughfares are likewise a matter of vital public interest. The problem of establishing and maintaining adequate roads and highways, eliminating congestion, reducing accident frequency, providing parking facilities and taking all necessary steps to ensure safe and convenient transportation on these public ways is no less urgent.

(h) While it is necessary to fix responsibilities for the location, design, construction, maintenance and operation of the several systems of highways, it is intended that the State of Oklahoma shall have an integrated system of all roads, highways and streets to provide safe and efficient highway transportation throughout the state. The authority hereinafter granted to the Commission and to counties and municipalities to assist and cooperate with each other and to coordinate their activities is therefore essential.

(i) The Legislature hereby determines and declares that this Code is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, for promotion of the general welfare, and as a contribution to the national defense.

Added by Laws 1968, c. 415, § 101, operative July 1, 1968.