Work

Preventing suicide by jumping: the effect of a bridge safety fence

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a bridge safety fence in preventing suicide. METHODS: We examined suicides from jumping off the Memorial Bridge in Augusta, Maine, from 1 April 1960 to 31 July 2005. The safety fence was installed during 1983, the mid-point of the study period. RESULTS: 14 suicides from the bridge were identified; all occurred before installation of the safety fence. The number of suicides by jumping from other structures remained unchanged after installation of the fence. CONCLUSION: The safety fence was effective in preventing suicides from the bridge. There was no evidence that suicidal individuals sought alternative sites for jumping.

Source: Injury Prevention

DOI: 10.1136/ip.2006.013748

Author: Andrew R Pelletier

Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Language: English

Topic: Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maine Department of Transportation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention