Safety and sustainability paradoxes: the case of large trees on roadsides of high speed roads. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bezerra, Barbara Stolte; Maia, Dayane Thomazi; Battistelle, Rosane Ap. Gomes
• Is Part Of: Latin American journal of management for sustainable development. Volume 4:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: tree -- roadside -- clear zone -- road safety -- accidents -- run-off; 338.9807
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-0336

Abstract

The risk and severity of injuries can be increased by trees on roadsides of high speeds roads, which may lead to a vehicle colliding into this vegetation and hindering the life of the vehicles occupants. By using qualitative methods, a structured literature review and technical visits, it was observed that the laws in Brazil are bureaucratic and time-consuming to solve problems that involve clearing trees, especially the native ones. Therefore on high-speed roads it is essential to maintain a clear safety zone on roadsides for the safety of drivers. This is an important issue especially in developing countries, where the used of barriers at roadsides are not proper used or maintenance due to budget restrictions. That brings the paradox of sustainability since the environmental legislation is a risk factor for road safety regarding the removal of trees that can cause not only a road accident, but also an environmental impact related to a possible road accident. In other words, the impediments of removal of trees at roadside - due to the environmental legislation - can culminate in death of human beings and also in incommensurable environmental impacts in the case of a road accident.