Over the past two decades, roads have become more than a means of transportation. They have transformed into places that carry symbolic meaning for some families in the form of roadside memorials. Roadside memorials are stone markers that serve to honor the lives of people killed in automobile accidents. They usually take the form of a Christian cross, in which the name of the deceased is engraved on the horizontal line of the cross. The memorial is usually surrounded by flowers and other gifts to illustrate the grief. This stone is located at the place of the person's death. Roadside memorials are installed there by the family and loved ones of the victim in order to immortalize their memory. This reassures them: even if the person has died, their memory continues to live on. However, roadside memorials cause a lot of controversy. Some believe it is a noble act that reminds drivers of the dangers of reckless driving. Still others believe they should be banned because they are a distraction on the road, as well as because they violate laws, including the one that states religious symbols should not be on public places. However, with certain restrictions in place, roadside memorials should not be banned due to their benefits. According to the article “Roadside Memorials,” these monuments only became famous about twenty years ago, even though they had existed for over two centuries (Collins and Rhine 223). While gaining popularity, they attracted several criticisms, one being that they distracted drivers. Opponents of the memorial say that brightly colored flowers, messages announcing a person's sudden death and religious symbols, such as the cross, are all factors likely to attract the driver's attention. Therefore, ...... middle of article ...... while at the same time opponents of the idea of ​​roadside memorials would no longer raise concerns. Works Cited Collins, Charles O. and Charles D. Rhine. “Roadside Memorials.” Omega: Journal Of Death & Dying 47.3 (2003): 221-244. Academic research completed. Internet. April 21, 2014. “Grieving California mother lowers cross onto road after group protest, others appear. » Fox News. FOX News Network, March 7, 2014. Web. April 21, 2014. Klaassens, Mirjam, Peter Groote and Paulus PP Huigen. “Roadside Memories from a Geographical Perspective.” Mortality 14.2 (2009): 187-201. Academic research completed. Internet. April 21, 2014 “Roadside Memorials.” Transport.wv.gov. State of West Virginia, nd Web. April 21, 2014. The Canadian Press ~ The News. "University of Calgary study finds roadside memorials pose no safety concerns." Ngnews.Ca. TC Media, November 8, 2008. Web. April 21. 2014.