ROADSIDE MEMORIALS: HOW TO BALANCE GRIEF AND SAFETY

The number of roadside memorials erected at fatal crash sites is growing, and the most compelling rationale appears to be that loved ones can express their grief while providing a visual reminder to others to drive carefully. As the memorials' number and size skyrocket, many traffic-safety professionals worry that the memorials may actually jeopardize safety by distracting other motorists and impeding maintenance crews. Thus, crews often remove the memorials at night, even when the employees empathize with the family's loss. As the public increasingly perceives memorials as a right, not a privilege, the debate has moved into the public policy realm. Florida now provides memorial markers upon request to honor any traffic victim, which simply say "Drive Safely In Memory Of (victim's name)." Washington and Oregon offer a memorial signing program to the families of DWI/DUI victims when the drunk driver was convicted of vehicular homicide. Two-part signs read "Please Don't Drink and Drive, In Memory Of (victim's name)," with the cost of $400-$600 borne by the family. New Mexico's program only requires alcohol involvement, not a conviction. The authorized one-piece signs cost families $90-$120 and are limited to two per highway-patrol district. A sidebar present results of an Oregon survey in which state residents supported the memorial sign program.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures;
  • Pagination: p. 10-11
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00751672
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 7 1998 12:00AM