Killed by a Traffic Engineer – KEYNOTE

Nearly four million people have died in road crashes since 1899, and the numbers continue to rise, yet we often accept these tragedies as inevitable. Until now, little attention has been given to why our roads are designed in ways that compromise safety.

In his new book, Killed by a Traffic Engineer, civil engineering professor Wes Marshall explores this issue, drawing on extensive research to reveal how road designs are often based on untested assumptions, with safety treated as an afterthought. While traffic engineers do not intend harm, Marshall argues that our transportation system is built on flawed principles that need urgent reevaluation.

In this session, Marshall will share his findings and offer solutions to reduce the devastating toll on our roadways. Achieving safer streets will require a shift in mindset and a transformation of how we design roads, prioritizing safety for everyone, whether they are inside or outside of vehicles.