While roadside monuments were originally confined to the southwestern United States, they can now be spotted across the country. And while opinions remain divided on this growing phenomenon, it seems that all parties involved have accepted that the practice will not disappear anytime soon. In an attempt to gain some control over the ritual and combat what some see as potential dangers associated with erecting roadside monuments, some U.S. states, as well as a number of other countries, have introduced regulations for its location. This varies from state to state in terms of what is allowed, the penalties for such acts, and how the state can maintain security as well as the law while remaining impartial. New Mexico has a strong position of accepting descansos, justifying them as parts of heritage and culture that are fully protected by law. However, they require it to be in a safe place to limit further accidents. An article in the Sante Fe report focused on the images of these protected Descansos and provided a sobering look at the many lives affected by car accidents and memory phenomena. As well as states like Texas and Alaska, where they allow roadside monuments. Texas is taking a step forward with specific guidelines on how and where a memorial should be established. This allows the state to dismantle all “distracting” monuments. North Carolina will send a letter to the family requesting that the monument be removed within thirty days. They offer an “Adopt-a-Highway program” and a memorial complex along the highway in honor of the deceased.

These are all feasible options that beautify the highway and keep the road free of distractions. West Virginia encourages people to purchase a state road monument to raise awareness of road safety maintained by their Department of Transportation. There is a $200 fee, but it will remain in effect for 3 years and will be given to the family after that, unless they want to renew the sign for another 3 years. Placing flags around a roadside monument is a meaningful way to honor a loved one. Look at the flags of your own nationality, identity or other significant symbol. Duration of the monument`s exposure: Many monuments require a lot of care. If someone no longer cares about the display, or if the authorities are responsible for it, you may only be able to keep your monument on the side of the road to a limited extent. There are a handful of states with regulations that make all street landmarks illegal, such as Alabama, Arizona, and New York. There are other states where they are legal, but certain rules must be followed.

Finally, some states allow memorials, but only for a certain period of time (usually three to six months). See an overview of state laws to learn more about your state`s requirements. These monuments come in many shapes, sizes and decorations. Monuments all depend on the preferences of the deceased, how they want to remember someone close to them. This can be in the form of flowers, memorial panels, commemorative crosses or anything else. Have you ever wondered about the genesis of these markers? You may have seen them all over the country, but street landmarks have special roots in the southwestern United States. Once present mainly in countries where Catholicism is the dominant faith, street monuments are now common in North, South and Central America. Canada; Europe (including the United Kingdom); and Australia, where an estimated 20% of all road deaths are marked by a roadside monument. In Latin America, where this custom has its roots, a roadside monument is often called descanso (resting place).

Before the automobile era, the first Descansos were markings placed where travelers had experienced an unfortunate and unexpected end. After their death without receiving the last rites, it was believed that the souls of these individuals were in purgatory. The Descansos were built so that other travelers could kneel and say a prayer for the souls of the dead. However, legend has it that the first Descansos were the resting places of those who carried a coffin from a church to a cemetery. At each place where the men carrying the coffin stopped for a few moments to rest, a kind of marker was placed in the ground, like branches of a tree or shrub or a small bouquet of wildflowers. Roadside monuments were created through the use of “descanso” or small white crosses. Today, these usually represent an unexpected tragedy such as a fatal car accident. You can buy crosses or make your own with wood or vinyl. Roadside memorials often contain one of the following: Usually, road markings for traffic accidents are placed to represent the last place a person was alive or the place that led to their death. For those who are spiritual, it is considered the place where their spirit evolved, or in other words, where someone breathed their last.

The corpses are not buried at the site of these markings, but they serve as a sanctuary for the deceased and also as a warning to motorists to drive safely. The plaque, which depicts a single weeping red flower on a black background, was created by Sweetapple, a marketing consultancy specialising in campaigns for the benefit of society, and RoadPeace, a national charity for road accident victims. Since its launch on August 31, 2003, hundreds of Remember Me plaques have been placed in places where people have been killed to commemorate the depth of the loss of their families and the dangers that exist for everyone when using the roads. Since 2000, victims of road accidents in France have been commemorated by silhouettes of “black spots”, a haunting image intended to encourage drivers to be cautious. Designed by French artist Jean-Pierre Giraud in his garage after his son died while crossing a bridge, the silhouettes were paid for by his hometown of Montpellier. Today, hundreds of people line the roads from Normandy to Bordeaux. They remain active for a month since the accident and have a deterrent effect on dangerous driving. In Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, you will see haunted houses. Although these are in many homes, shops and schools; They are also located in dangerous road bends. The idea is that ghosts that have passed by and those that linger will provide shelter for drivers. In Johannesburg, it is now illegal to erect roadside monuments on national roads.

But let`s say there will be opportunities to plant a tree as a souvenir. This will help keep roads clear and have a more environmentally friendly impact on the environment. Many see roadside monuments as a distraction for motorists. When drivers turn their attention to something other than the road or their driving, they can cause an accident. Especially when it comes to death markers placed at difficult intersections or on dangerous winding highways, many argue that monuments actually increase danger to road users or pedestrians. What exactly is the significance of these monuments and how do they relate to local or national laws? If you can`t continue to maintain a roadside death sign, there may be several ways you can help: Many grieving families turn to faith during the most difficult times of their lives. This is often why you can see spiritual symbols as central markers for roadside monuments. Commemorative crosses are most commonly seen in the United States. You can also see the Star of David or a crescent moon. If you`ve read the pros and cons of roadside death markers and decided to look for alternatives, there are many ways to honor loved ones who have died in this tragic and unexpected way. Or if your state doesn`t allow these monuments, here are some ideas to consider: Next time you`re driving on a highway, keep an eye out for the monuments.

Sometimes they are easy to miss, but this road news reminds us that the road is a dangerous place. We could all bear to drive a little more carefully to protect ourselves and others. Whether you`ve been driving for decades or just got your driver`s license, roadside memorials remind us that lives on the road are always at stake. In any time of grief, writing letters to deceased loved ones is an encouraged way to deal with this. The letters can be integrated into a road marking to further personalize a monument. When in doubt, look for your state`s roadside monument laws. If they are not an option, remember that there are many ways to honor your loved one, even if they are less public. While the culture and symbolism of these roadside tributes are undoubtedly beautiful, families have many opportunities to find peace after losing someone in a car accident. First, start with your condition. Click here for more information on state regulations regarding roadside memorials.

Alternatively, you can call or visit your state`s Department of Transportation or your state`s highway department directly. Next, check with your city`s laws in case they differ from your state`s general laws. The last thing you want is to plan a memorial, only to find out it`s not allowed. Public Property Laws: Existing public property laws may come into play in setting rules for roadside memorials. For example, there may already be penalties for garbage and street monuments may have to be an exception. You`ve probably seen these road markings before, although you may not know what they mean at first glance.