Death on the roads.

I live near a dangerous intersection. A 3 year old boy was killed when he left his grandma's apartment (she thought he was napping) to walk to McDonalds. Another time, a teenager was killed when his car collided with another car at that same intersection. They both had flowers and crosses posted. Although these accidents happened years ago, I can still picture the memorials that were displayed there. Friends or family of the teenager diligently kept up the memorial for a whole year with fresh flowers, stuffed animals and even christmas decorations. I have to hug my daughter every time of think of these tragedies.

We do that too, here in the United States. I am undecided about it. I think its a great way for people to remember their loved ones and also make people stop and think that it could happen to them. But it is also a distraction as many people may glance over at it to see what it is and that itself might cause an accident.

All of the catholic countries in which I have resided have been doing this for years. Usually it is a statue of a saint or just a cross with the name and date etched on it. At times you can also see fresh flowers near the shrine showing, I presume, that the family visits the site on the anniversary. I see nothing wrong with this tradition. I believe that it some way the more people who see these shrines on many occasions will get the hit and drive slower and carefully as it is obvious when there are lots of shrines that the locale is dangerous.

As I'm in England as well, it's a bit difficult to comment on what the routine is in other countries regarding traffic accidents. However, I have noted that it's an increasing practice in England to at least lay flowers at an accident spot, and I suppose that's understandable, as that is where the spirit left the victim's body. I don't think it's too much of a distraction to leave flowers and notes and it's nice for the families to be able to leave their mark of respect. Some, I've noticed go back and renew the flowers on the anniversary of the accident as well, which I think is quite a nice touch. These flowers do also serve as a reminder that the stretch of road is a black spot, and cause the drivers who pass the spot to think twice about their speed and concentration. So, all in all, I think it's perhaps a good thing. Brightest Blessings my dear friend and drive safely.

This is what I like about England. It has this mass benevolence thing going on. People always complain, Oh English people are cold etc etc, but I find English people are like every one else, but especially when there is a mass appeal there is a great show of unity that manifests itself. There are ignorant ones in every country and every culture. I think it is sweet that the deaths of these people don't get overlooked, but I wish this drunken driving would stop. I personally believe our laws should get toughened up.

Where I live, people put the flowers on the side of the road, no matter what the cause of the accident, but, in the same state, in a more populated area, they only do it where there was a victim of drunk driving or a child. I live in Texas.

There is a black spot I pass on the way to college and every week, without fail there are flowers by the lamp post next to the spot, it has been like that for a couple of years now, so obviously people still bring the flowers. No I don't think it's macabre, because you would put flowers on graves, and I think it's a great sentiment for people to do this and yes you are right it is a very good warning to other drivers.

We do not do such a thing in india. But I think its a beautiful concept as long as the flowers are on the side of the road. They should not distract the drivers. Its very sweet to remember a lost one at the site where they actually lost the person.

Yes we do the same here in the philippines, besides flowers we also put some lighted candles on the road, so that others may offer some prayers on them

It has noting to inculcate to the other persons dreiving on the road.Its just a mark of respect and condolation shown in favour of that person who has expired.I fell its a positive sign...

Hi Bizziebod, oh this tradition has been carrying on here for around 20 years now in Australia. I think it looks normal for people to do this maybe as we have done it for so many years, also if someone gets hit by a car then they lay flowers where the person last was. I think it is a warning for other drivers to drive more safely.

This started happening here about a year ago; I think it is a nice tribute but it also means that some people are going to use it for pity or sympathy. Sure, that sounds cold but I have seen it happen more than a few times.

I don't think it is a macabre idea at all, rather a mark of respect for the victim of the road. My only concern with this custom is the fact that the floral tributes, teddies, candles etc., at one site in Birmingham actually became a traffic hazard. It is a valuable reminder to other road users that we need to take more care on the roads, and slow down.

It's been happening here for as far back as I can remember. We also have seeen crosses erected. Should serve as a warning to other driver to take care since thye tend to be clumped up in the same areas of the roads.

Yes, we do that here in the US as well. Flowers and crosses. There is even one place I drive by every day (a rural road) where there is an engraved stone memorial and a cross nailed to a tree to mark the place where three teens lost their lives in a car accident five years ago. When I see this and other such places, I feel sad because I am a mother. Also, I am reminded of what a fragile thing life is, and it is good to remember this sometimes, I think.

Yes, I believe it's something that is done around the world. I know that it's done here in the U.S. I think it's a a wonderful thing to do to pay tribute. And I gess that it can be a warning and wake up call for others as well. Everytime I see it on the road, tree, ditch, etc. I feel sad but thankful at the same time that I'm alive and well.

I think it is nice for people to put flowers out it shows that humans care afterall and also a warning for other drivers. I live in the UK so don't know if they do it anywhere else.

although the accident rate on roads is high i haven't seen any such thing happening in india. its ok. i don't think that these road side tributes are macabre or distracting so long as they are placed a little away from the sight to cause less distraction, if any, to weak minded people and also help mourning relatives. anyway i guess safety comes first.

It's pretty common in this area too. I think it's just a way to show respect to the last place that the loved one was alive. If the "memorial" is very large or brightly colored or in any way an obstruction then it could be an unnecessary and dangerous distraction. I don't think it would work very well as a warning since usually the spot that gets marked is where the accident ended, a warning would be better placed at the place where it would have begun. Just an added note...a family member was killed in a car accident over 13 years ago. The spot where it happened has been marked by a wreath or flowers ever since.

Well Bizziebod I am in the uk too - so yes we have the same thing happening! I think if it helps a bereaved family and friends to cope in some small way then I am all for it! I had never thought of it as a warning to other road users before but now that you have mentioned it it would be a fantastic way of making you think of what happened and maybe driving more carefully! xx