Side of the road.

dunno to what you're referring, though that practice is common.

People's grieving actions don't always make sense. They want folks to be "remembered."

I've always taken it on myself, as a minister, to make suggestions to folks as to how they can commemorate the life of another, but do so in a way that benefits someone else or truly serves the deceased's memory well...preferably both.

 

I believe some of the mourners hope that people like you and I will learn from that tragic end and slow down, look more carefully, whatever.

 

A friend of ours was killed by a drunken driver right at Christmas last year. Every time we drive past that spot on the interstate, we see a white wooden cross placed where the crash occured. It always reminds me to say a prayer for the family when we pass it. I don't think of it as clutter, as it's not in the way of anything. His children who died with him are buried out of town near their biological mother. The cross marker is a place where the families and friends can come and pay respects. As long as they take care of that little spot on earth and keep it cleared or updated, I certainly won't object.

 

Even though such displays are illegal here, they happen. They can become a hazard, and CDOT usually takes them down when they come across them. The state will erect a memorial sign at the spot someone was killed by a drunk driver, though.

 

Most local entities in Alabama will allow the "stuff" (sorry, don't know of a better term) to stay up for 2-3 weeks...then all is removed except for a small cross. It must not impede vision, and then it can remain.

This isn't "law" in AL, but it's followed fairly consistently. And provided it's not a hazard, I'm fine with it.

Like I say...I try to "re-direct" if it's a situation I have say about.

 

I see your point. Although, I've never seen the tractors mowing around them. Where I come from, it's an unwritten rule that the family mow or weed eat around their own markers. Teddy bears, balloons, etc. could become a problem.

After 20 years, sorry, but it's time to take it down. Maybe they should be left up for a few weeks or so or until the DOH mows again, I don't know. Around here, the deer carcuses and other roadkill are a much bigger driving hazard than a little white cross by the roadside.