Would you leave flowers at the scene of a fatal crash?
By John Welford
@indexer (4852)
Leicester, England
September 28, 2015 9:52am CST
It seems to be the modern custom for people to leave flowers and other tributes at the place where a relative or friend has died in a road accident. As in the scene pictured (which I passed on my walk this morning) some sites turn into something akin to shrines, with messages posted next to flowers and other reminders of the dead person.
I know someone in my village who keeps the flowers fresh at the scene of her daughter's fatal accident which took place more than 15 years ago. Isn't that a bit morbid?
I can't ever see myself doing this - and I hope that if I was the victim no-one would do this for me. I don't see the point of someone putting themselves in danger to leave flowers at a place that might well be dangerous - there has already been one fatality here, so why cause more?
Why does the actual spot where someone died matter? That is what I can't get my head round.
8 people like this
6 responses
@topffer (42156)
• France
28 Sep 15
Cenotaphs are not something new, and I have always seen crosses and flowers near the roads in France. If other drivers watching them are more careful, it is not useless. I remember that we had a law proposal to put systematically a cross on the side of the road for any fatal accident. It was rejected by the government but was not bad : cheaper than a radar and perhaps as good.
3 people like this
@indexer (4852)
• Leicester, England
28 Sep 15
I don't think this is the reason why people leave flowers, but it could be a useful by-product if it saved a life. However, as I said in my post, if you endanger yourself by placing flowers at a spot that has been proven to be dangerous, is that really so sensible?
2 people like this
@topffer (42156)
• France
28 Sep 15
@Susan2015 I would add that it is not harmful for anybody, so there is no reason to not authorize this custom.
1 person likes this
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
28 Sep 15
No I think it is fine to leave flowers at an accident site.
Nothing wrong with practicing rituals to loved ones passed on if it helps people deal with their loss.
If it bothers someone, just ignore it, or drive on by.
2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
29 Sep 15
@purplealabaster There is one of those memorials right across the way here and it is actually on a very busy statewide road in front of the local supermarket. It is lovely really to see as you walk by. Someone changes the decor at least every week there.
1 person likes this
@TGRWorzel (47)
• United Kingdom
28 Sep 15
No, I wouldn't leave flowers by the roadside. Whether for relatives or anybody else. It might make the bereaved feel better I suppose, but I can't see any other benefit in doing it and I don't think I would need that kind of comfort.
1 person likes this
