No to traffic signs?

[Louis N. Molino, Sr.]

In Baku, Azerbaijan they seem to obey the signs and lights but the markings on the payment are seemingly meaningless. 

LNM from Vienna, Austria 
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

-----Original Message-----
From: "Rajesh" <rajesh84 at asianetindia.com>

Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2008 08:23:33 
To: Trauma &amp; Critical Care mailing list<trauma-list at trauma.org>
Subject: RE: No to traffic signs?


No to traffic signs?It would depend on how many people have civic sense but
otherwise expecting people to be "responsible" is asking for trouble.

In Kerala (India),where I live, out of about 32 million poeple, each year
3600 + die in traffic related accidents. This year, till 30th april, 1312
have died.

We dont have many signs .People ignore almost all signs and even red lights
if they feel they can get away with it.(ie, unless there was a policeman
standing there). People break laws if they are in a hurry, if they feel they
are important or if they think no one is watching. 

We (World Road Safety Partnership) are trying to bring in various reforms
and awareness classes etc but it is difficult to teach civic sense to 32
million ! 

I conduct free classes on speeding,safetybelt and helmet use,road signs etc
at schools,offices, residential associations etc.

Dr.K.R.Rajesh
FRCS(Gen), FRCS (Ortho)
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Cosmopolitan Hospital
Trivandrum
Kerala
India.

Mobile- 9447191205

Advisory Board Member
World Road Safety Partnership 

  -----Original Message-----
  From: McSwain, Norman E Jr. [mailto:trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org]On
Behalf Of McSwain, Norman E Jr.
  Sent: 06 July 2008 0:13
  To: Trauma &amp
  Subject: RE: No to traffic signs?


  It sound like a wonderful thing for the lawyers. "your honor, the reason
that my client did not stop for the red-light and hit Mr. Jones broad side
in the intersection and killed him,  had nothing to do with his blood
alcohol of 300. It was because all the traffic signs by the road distracted
him." :>)

  Norman

  Norman McSwain MD
  Trauma Director, Charity Hospital
  Professor of Surgery, Tulane University
  New Orleans LA
  504 988 5111
  norman.mcswain at tulane.edu


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
  From: trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org on behalf of khumar huseynova
  Sent: Sat 7/5/2008 1:23 PM
  To: Trauma Trauma
  Subject: No to traffic signs?


  Just read an article in Toronto Star about John Staddon's talk on cutting
down on the number of traffic signs placed in roads, at intersections etc.
Apparently removing the signs, esp from busy intersections, forces dirvers
to focus more on the road than on the signs. The rationale is the
expectation from the drivers, i.e., expecting them to be more responsible
than stupid (sic), and making right decisions instead of being distracted by
the signs that tell them what to do. Apparently, this is being practiced in
Europe (England for ex.), and it's led to reduction of traffic accidents by
40%.
  Obviously, there are many other factors in this equation that might have
led to fewer accidents. I am not familiar with the studies in this field and
was wondering if anyone knew. What does the evidence suggest? Anyone in
trauma has looked at this particular issue (i.e., association bw traffic
signals and MVAs) recently and compared Europe to NAmerica? Apparently this
is also practiced in Fl. Would appreciate yoru thoguhts.
  P.S. John Staddon is a psychologist at DukeU. 


        __________________________________________________________________
  Instant Messaging, free SMS, sharing photos and more... Try the new Yahoo!
Canada Messenger at http://ca.beta.messenger.yahoo.com/
  --
  trauma-list : TRAUMA.ORG
  To change your settings or unsubscribe visit:
  http://www.trauma.org/index.php?/community/



--------------------------------------------
My mailbox is spam-free with ChoiceMail, the leader in personal and corporate anti-spam solutions. Download your free copy of ChoiceMail from www.digiportal.com