Popular in Mexico.  Been done there as long as I can remember [the fifties]
Probably coming here because of the huge increase in Hispanic population,
emigrants and births.

Probably worth it to let people know of dangerous road places but putting
the things up is quite dangerous in itself in some road situations.
Verboten on California freeways because of that.

IIRC,

Mike

On 7/19/04 7:03 PM, "McNearney, Clayton" <mcnearne@MARSHALL.EDU> wrote:

> Since many list members travel extensively I thought that this request
> was appropriate.  I am involved in a research project on roadside
> memorials, i.e., the white crosses and other items placed at the site of
> a fatal accident.  I would appreciate your comments and reflections on
> these.  Are they found in some states more than others? Do you notice
> them?  How old is this custom? If you have comments on these and similar
> questions please send them to me off list.  I would very much like your
> help in identifying and contacting people who have themselves
> participated in the construction of such memorials or who have friends
> or family so memorialized.  My contact information is:  Clayton L.
> McNearney, Department of Religious Studies, Marshall University,
> Huntington, West Virginia.  mcnearne@marshall.edu, Phone is (304)696
> 4641   Thanks.
>
>