EDITORIAL ROAD RAGE STATE TRANSPORTATION CUTS ARE INFURIATING FOR DRIVERS.

ANGELENOS aren't, as a general rule, the complaining type. We're too laid back, living in the most beautiful, most comfortable part of the country.

But we're downright ornery about our roads. Even the most mild-mannered of L.A. residents can turn into a road-raging sociopath after being stuck in the umpteenth SigAlert, having a tire blown out by one more pothole or paying for never-ending car repairs.

A new survey confirms what most Angelenos experience each and every day - our roads and freeways are a mess. In fact, they're the worst in the nation.

The result is more than just inconvenience; it's millions of dollars wasted. According to the Road Information Project study, automotive wear and tear costs Southlanders an average of $705 a year, compared to $400 in the rest of the country.

Yet it's not like we don't pay for good roads. Local gas taxes are among the highest in the nation. The problem is a state government that continually siphons off transportation funds for other needs.

Compounding the problem, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed diverting $2.1 billion in transportation funds to help balance next year's budget.

But there's hope. With Sacramento reporting higher-than-expected tax revenues, the state budget noose seems to be loosening. So perhaps funds will soon start flowing again for transportation projects.

Then maybe we won't be so ornery.