People with literacy within the metric system are looked at often like oddballs in America. It is practically an alien language, as the odd lack of fractions is reason for consternation among the populace. U.S. citizens appear to be loath to use the metric scale system, as tries to convert the U.S. to it have never been successful. However, one tiny stretch of highway uses it exclusively. Arizona Interstate 19 uses only the metric system. 19 runs from the border of Mexico to Tuscon, so it’s not as though it’s a big highway. However, the signs are due to be converted back to customary units.
Arizona Interstate nineteen
You will find no signs notated in miles on Interstate 19, solely in kilometers. The highway isn’t a terribly long stretch though. It’s solely a four hour drive in total, running from Tuscon to Nogales. Because distances are in metric units, so are the exit numbers. Exit sign numbers are really based on distance. The distance, though, is almost always in miles. However, as outlined by the New York Times, a few individuals are getting confused by the marks, and the state government is looking at replacing the signs, which would cost more than $1 million. If it should happen, all road signs will need brand new exit numbers, and all companies along the way will need new brochures, so those are who’ll really pay the price. Also, motorists heading north from Mexico may also be confused, as Mexico uses the metric system.
Kilo bites
The system of measurement used within the U.S. is one of the numerous cultural holdovers from England. Changes were made, naturally. That said, English measures are where the root lies. Miles and pints and pounds all originated from the English system. We aren’t alone, though. As outlined by Wikipedia, you will find two other nations that don’t use the metric scale method. However, it may not seem the best of business. Those nations are Liberia and Burma. That said, metric conversion has been brought up before, most most recently a study President Gerald Ford set in motion.
It won’t happen
It’s not likely the United States will change to or start using the metric scale system, and unfortunately, those marks will likely get changed. It is, however, nevertheless mandatory that students learn it though. Scientists all use the metric system above all others.
NY Times
nytimes.com/2010/09/15/us/15highway.html?_r=1 and ref=automobilesvv
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrication_in_the_United_States
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