I think everyone, especially Mr. McGinnes, who opposes the suicide barrier, should be required to go on the search and recovery of the jumpers (“To barricade or not to barricade?” Feb. 18). I think their first experience with the body of the jumper would change their minds. If not the first, then the second and third ought to do it.
Not only do the results of the jump hurt the families and friends of the jumper, but they put the lives of everyone out there in the search and recovery in danger. Also, the resources tied up that could be needed for emergencies are enormous. Every jump requires at least one fire department vehicle, the Sheriff’s Department, and most likely a highway patrol. On top of that, there are the volunteers of the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue teams putting themselves in harm’s way, looking for and recovering the jumper. All of this costs a lot of money and emotional damage.
I have been over many bridges with barriers and haven’t seen much difference in the view. As a driver going 55 mph, you do not have time to see much of the view to begin with. Even if you are a passenger, the barrier doesn’t restrict much of the view. It is sort of like a movie picture film.
This article appears in Mar 4-11, 2010.