A transportation "improvement" can feel more like "destruction"

Word choice plays a major role in persuasion.

Mary Poppins is the story of a mysterious and unsettling woman who descends from the skies to take care of two bratty children whose parents are too busy being bankers to do it themselves. With her magical powers, she terrorizes the children into submission and leads them on a series of dangerous and potentially life-threatening adventures, including dancing with chimney sweeps and jumping into chalk drawings.

Despite their constant fear and peril, the children eventually learn to behave, and Mary Poppins flies away on her umbrella, leaving them with a lifetime of trauma and nightmares. But hey, at least the Banks family now has a well-behaved set of children who will never forget the terrifying lessons they learned from their magical nanny.

Words and phrases can be careless or strategic. Every DOT around the country has a list of transportation improvement projects. Let’s consider that subtly persuasive word, improvement.

Consider what follows a transportation "improvement" project.

Engineers verify that they have the latest editions of standards that were developed to favor vehicles at the expense of people. Intersections are considered "unacceptable" if drivers have to wait a minute.

Engineers design roads that meet or exceed minimum thresholds in their standards, thereby “improving” the "efficiency" of motorists.

Drivers are able to move faster and have the ability to eat, talk on the phone, text, or read a book while driving.

Crashes continue, causing property damage, incapacitating injuries, and death.

Pedestrian and bicycle accommodations are ruled out because engineers point out that roads have become too dangerous for anyone outside of a car or truck.

"Obstacles" and "risk factors" like horizontal curvature, vertical deflection, street trees, sidewalks, and pedestrians are removed from public realm to make space for expanded roads & intersections to "improve safety."

More drivers are able to move faster and have the ability to eat, talk on the phone, text, or read a book while driving.

More crashes, more property damage, more incapacitating injuries, and more death.

Engineers receive praise, recognition, and awards for "public service" and "safety improvements" in spite of all evidence to the contrary. Engineers take turns electing each other as organizational emperors and continue showcasing their "innovation."