After more than five years of discussion and debate, bridge barriers have been installed on the Cold Springs Arch Bridge to protect vulnerable persons considering suicide, as well as motorists and law enforcement who jeopardize their own safety and are impacted by witnessing fatal jumps from the bridge. The grid mesh barrier has been installed on the bridge along California State Route 154. This has been the location of 55 suicides since it was opened in 1964, making it one of the most lethal spots in Santa Barbara County.
“This plan started in July of 2005 after a young 17-year-old San Marcos High School student jumped to his death. I am sure that [our] work will save lives but am positive it is now a safer location for all first responders,” said Commander Dominick Palera of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.
Barriers on bridges are part of our national strategy to prevent suicide, with research citing restriction of means as one of the most effective strategies to prevent loss of life. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has stated their position that the use of bridge barriers is the most effective means of bridge suicide prevention.
“A barrier serves to restrict an individual who is in crisis, impulsive, not thinking clearly. This distress, combined with access to such lethal means, creates a hazardous situation,” said Dr. Lisa Firestone, director of research and education at the Glendon Association. “As a society, we need to invest ourselves in becoming more involved by learning how to identify signs and symptoms of individuals in crisis, and we can help. Bridge barriers send a message to suicidal individuals that this is not a solution; we care about you.”
Ninety percent of people who survive a suicide attempt never try again, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Every person who jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge and survived reported that the moment they jumped, they regretted their decision and wanted to live. Restricting lethal means gives suicidal people the time they need to consider their decision and get the help they need.
The Glendon Association, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, Caltrans, and local search and rescue have supported the Cold Springs bridge barrier project since its inception. The Glendon Association Violence and Suicide Prevention Alliance was a key organization in educating Caltrans and providing expertise on suicide prevention. Glendon has also helped educate the community on the effectiveness of barriers and “means restriction” in saving lives.
“This amazing accomplishment means so much to so many and not more than to me, my family, and my son’s many friends,” said Karen Aydelott, a mother whose son lost his life jumping from the Cold Springs Arch Bridge. “On behalf of all those who loved my son, thank you.”
Jina Carvalho is director of communications for the Glendon Association. Send comments to the executive editor at rmiller@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Apr 12-19, 2012.