Westchester, NY – In the wake of three suicides on the Tappan Zee Bridge in April alone, top officials from Rockland County government and the Thruway Authority have met to come up with ways to prevent, as much as possible, future suicides from occurring.
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Rockland Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell asked for the meeting with Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleisher and Cornell called the session productive.
New bridge railings being installed from the Rockland shore to the east end of the main span as part of the re-decking are five feet, six inches high, two feet taller than the existing ones. The new railings are also made of a smooth surface, making it difficult for someone to climb over, she said.
The Thruway Authority also sold Cornell and Legislator Connie Coker they are working with the state Office of Mental Health to make awareness training available to its workers, which would enable them to be educated by professionals about issues relating to attempted suicides.
Other suggestions including providing a means of communication for motorists to talk to police while on the bridge and the formation of a partnership with the state agencies, Rockland and Westchester County governments to conduct a public awareness campaign about suicide prevention.
Maybe the Shrinks should climb up there for a look to see what draws the EDP’s there!!!
if it goes on at this rate they should start asking a jumping fee. refundable if it didnt work, up to three strikes.