Numbers in the news

25

If a toll system is put into effect on Interstate 80, it will probably cost about $25 to take a car across the entire 300-mile Pennsylvania expanse. Tractortrailer drivers will pay $96.

The tolls would take effect in 2011 unless the action is reversed by the state legislature or blocked by Congress.

Supporters say the tolls will generate billions of dollars for the state's crumbling bridges, decaying highways and financially strapped masstransit agencies. Opponents have formed the "Stop I-80 Toll Committee," based in Clarion and representing many manufacturers and people who work in tourism.

Congressmen Phil English and John Peterson are pushing for Congress and federal regulators to reject the toll system.

67

In observance of October as National Disability Employment Month, Life and Independence for Today (LIFT) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the high rate of unemployment among people with disabilities.

They have the highest unemployment rate of any population in the United States: 67 percent. This leaves the majority of people with disabilities living at or below poverty level.

LIFT manager Hope Weichman said most people simply assume those with disabilities aren't expected to have jobs. It is discrimination that hurts many people, she pointed out.

Weichman's organization helps people with disabilities live as independently as possible, including employment assistance.

LIFT covers Potter, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson and McKean counties. Information is available at 1-800-341-LIFT, liftcil.org, or by email at lift@liftcil.org.

80

Pennsylvania's huntertrapper education course, which is required for all firsttime license buyers originated as a voluntary, four-hour course in 1959. Since the program became mandatory, huntingrelated shooting incidents have declined by early 80 percent.

1,409

For the second consecutive year, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has set enrollment records.

Of the 1,409 students enrolled this fall, 1,194 are fulltime, the highest in the institution's 44-year history. The previous record was set in 2006 at 1,110.

UPB is proud of its studentto faculty ratio of 14 to 1 and typical class size of 18 students, noting, "This enables our faculty and staff members to get to know our students and their educational goals and help them succeed."

6.5M

There about 6.5 million youth soccer players in the U.S. The number has risen in each of the past 10 years.

7

One in seven women are affected by breast cancer, a drastic increase from the one in 40 women diagnosed in 1940.

Though the numbers are increasing the number of those dying from the disease is decreasing due to early detection and advanced treatments.

53

Many farmers, and not just those in the South, use illegal aliens.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, some 53 percent of U.S. crops were harvested by illegal aliens in 2006.

37

Motorcyclists who wear helmets have a 37 percent better chance of surviving a crash than those who don't.

Helmet laws have been repealed in several states, including Pennsylvania. Twenty states still require that all motorcyclists and their passengers wear helmets. Some 27 others have partial helmet laws for a specific segment of riders, usually those under 18. Three states have no helmet laws.

Ten percent of U.S. highway fatalities occur on motorcycles.