GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE ADDS SAFETY NET TO PREVENT SUICIDES

The world-famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is known for its architectural beauty. It’s also known for another element, something tragic and a topic often ignored.

The bridge is known for being a popular spot to commit suicide.

The new hard metal platform will be located two stories below the sidewalk of the bridge. Although you will most likely get massive bruises, sprains and even some broken bones when you fall on it, the chances of your dying have been lowered significantly.

It seems as if the safety net is already doing its job, even though it’s still in the process of being built.

The San Francisco Standard reports that there have been five confirmed suicide jumps from the bridge this year through June, compared with 22 from all of last year.

The stats were released by the Bridge Rail Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy group. The group has been campaigning for the safety net on the Golden Gate Bridge since 2006.

The group said that between 2000 and 2019, the bridge had an average of between 30 and 40 suicides every year.

Although similar systems have been designed and constructed around the world, the safety net around the Golden Gate Bridge is unique because of its size and its maritime location.

Image credit: CTV News