ROADSIDE MEMORIALS: PUBLIC POLICY VS. PRIVATE EXPRESSION

The Federal Highway Administration and some states prohibit roadside memorials to those who have died in traffic accidents for a number of reasons, including safety. However, they are increasingly common. In fact, in probably no other area of public life does public practice diverge so dramatically from official policy. Nevada, California, and Wyoming prohibit roadside memorials because they may distract drivers, but officials agree the markers provide closure for victims' friends and families. Supporters of the memorials argue that they represent no more of a distraction than the massive, blinking billboards common along many highways. Additionally, they argue that the memorials break up the monotony of the road, and thus may help prevent accidents. Some states prohibit the memorials because of the maintenance hassle. Finally, critics question whether crosses on public land are appropriate.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0149337X
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Page Range: pp 50, 52-53
• Corporate Authors:

  Intertec Publishing Corporation

  6151 Powers Ferry Road, NW
  Atlanta, GA  United States  30339-2941
• Authors:
  • Ross, C
• Publication Date: 1998-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: 3 p.
• Serial:
  • American City & County
  • Volume: 113
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Penton Media
  • ISSN: 0149-337X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash victims; Highway maintenance; Highway safety; Public opinion; Public policy; Roadside hazards; Roadside memorials; Roadside structures; State laws
• Identifier Terms: U.S. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Highways; Policy; Society; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00751312
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 28 1998 12:00AM