Wes Marshall

Wes Marshall, a civil engineering professor at the University of Colorado Denver and author of “Killed by a Traffic Engineer,” dives into the perilous state of America's streets. He critiques outdated traffic engineering practices and shares personal anecdotes revealing the disconnect between urban and rural infrastructure. The conversation includes fresh perspectives on speed limits and the inefficacy of current safety metrics, while advocating for designs that prioritize cyclist and pedestrian safety. Marshall emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in urban planning to truly enhance safety.

Wes Marshall, a civil engineering professor at the University of Colorado Denver and author of 'Killed By A Traffic Engineer,' dives into the critical flaws of current road design. He argues that traffic engineers have overlooked scientific evidence, contributing to thousands of fatalities each year. The discussion tackles outdated beliefs about road safety, including the misconception that wider roads are safer. Marshall also highlights the benefits of traffic calming circles and the urgent need for data-driven approaches to create safer, pedestrian-friendly streets.

A professor of civil engineering challenges the notion that traffic engineering is based on science in the podcast. Topics include the historical influence on safety standards, the relationship between speed limits and road safety, and the conflict between safety and traffic flow efficiency. The guest calls for a shift towards prioritizing safety in transportation design and discusses the evolution of traffic engineering perspectives over time.