May 7, 2008

How are drivers affected
by roadside memorials?

Calgarians asked to take
online survey

Traffic collisions are one of the leading causes of death in Alberta. Roadside memorials have become a way to mark the site of the tragedy by those who remember them. However, the impact of these roadside memorials is largely unknown. Are they a safety measure, a warning to other travellers, a distraction or perhaps even an eyesore?

As part of a project on a roadside memorial policy, Richard Tay, Alberta Motor Association Chair in Road Safety at the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary has created a short on-line survey, with 10 questions that ask respondents for their perceptions of the emotional or psychological impact of the markers as well as their impact on driving behaviour.

The answers will help provide a better understanding of the issues involved in managing roadside memorials and will provide valuable feedback to policy makers in the city and province to assist in creating a long term overall policy.

“The purpose of the survey is to examine public perceptions of roadside memorials and drivers’ reactions to their presence on the roads,” explains Tay. “Engineers, enforcement officers and policy makers understand and fully respect family members’ need to grieve their loved ones and want to balance this need with safety considerations.”

Roadside memorials are placed on the road right of way, which is of concern to transportation engineers who need to ensure that they do not disrupt traffic, affect road maintenance or become road hazards. According to Tay, this research is also interested in weighing the benefits of these memorials in raising public awareness of road safety and inducing drivers to drive more cautiously against possible driver distractions.

“Besides engineering studies, we need public input and feedback to evaluate the various alternatives in addressing these concerns,” says Tay.

The public is encouraged to participate in this anonymous survey until June 30 at:
http://www.schulich.ucalgary.ca/survey/memorial-survey.htm