An interesting article that provides valuable perspectives for the recurring discussion regarding trees along roads. And people crashing their cars into them. Surely not only trees, but trees (or rather possible removal) are the controversial item ;). This is not a matter of yes/no or I'm for it!/against!, but for consideration.
Just a few quotes:
- You as provider of the road transport system are no longer allowed to kill people on that mass level that you've done
- … injuries were a result of combining a speeding mass with the built environment and many other variables, including road conditions and the driver's behaviour, as well as the safety features on the vehicle.
- …from a very early point in the development of the motor car, the industry decided to focus the attention of lawmakers away from the inherent dangerousness of cars to the actions of the person behind the wheel.
- Officials were no longer allowed to design roads for idealised drivers who never became distracted or exceeded the speed limit. They had to make roads for real people who made mistakes.
- Even intentional law-breaking was to be considered when designing the system. The reality is that drivers do speed, and they get distracted by their phones or other passengers in the car.
- … crash victims were not, as many in the road transport sector, assumed – drunk and irresponsible drivers. For the most part, they were people who made small mistakes within a system that had no margin for error.
Before rushing to your keyboard (or thumbs), please give it a good read 1st. Much appreciated.
by Vimux