and in Puerto Rico, along the hillsides; .the road side crosses weren't
only a memorial but a  reminder to drive carefully.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2003, at 03:48  PM, Keni Sturgeon wrote:

> I seemed to recall reading a history of this while I was in grad
> school at Arizona State University.  I thought I'd check on-line and
> this is the first entry I found:
>
> From Lincoln University in New Zealand
> The Origin and Significance of Road Side Crosses as Elements of the
> Landscape of Remembrance
> The practice of erecting roadside crosses in memory of road accident
> victims has escalated in New Zealand in recent years. Although there
> is some belief that the concept developed in Italy, it is largely a
> New Zealand phenomenon. The appearance of roadside crosses has
> transformed the landscape in parts of New Zealand, and demonstrates
> the desire for a visible expression of grief. There are a number of
> issues associated with the roadside crosses that have implications for
> our experience of the landscape - extending from the issue of safety
> (will the crosses provide a visual distraction for other motorists?),
> to the perceptual ownership of the landscape (what rights do
> individuals have to erect memorials in public places?). .
>
> Also from a different site:
> Various states have developed policies about these markers:
>
> *California and Florida ban them outright.
> *Texas has allowed them at sites of fatal car accidents but only where
> alcohol was a factor. However, in 2000-APR the state Department of
> Transportation determined that they are unconstitutional and is
> considering having them removed.
> *Montana allows the American Legion to erect crosses at the site of
> fatal accidents. [We wonder whether the Legion checks first to make
> certain that the deceased was a Christian.]
> *Florida attempted to remain within constitutional bounds by adopting
> a Red Cross symbol in 1997. This has since been replaced by a circular
> placard displaying the words "Drive Safely."
> *Oregon currently permits families to install signs at fatal vehicle
> accident sites where alcohol was a factor. The state charges $500.
>
> Finally, this website has some information and some links:
> http://members.tripod.com/jwhiting/roadside.html
>
> Keni Sturgeon
> Jensen Arctic Museum
> Monmouth, OR
>
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