A seemingly innocuous piece of roadside infrastructure in Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK, has become an unlikely viral sensation – and a headache for drivers. Standing at a mere 35 centimeters (approximately 14 inches) tall and strategically positioned at a sharp 90-degree bend, this unassuming curb has earned nicknames like “The Car Killer” and “Wheel Graveyard.”
The curb’s notoriety stems from its uncanny ability to ensnare unsuspecting vehicles on a daily basis. Frustrated drivers, counting the cost of damaged tires and dented rims, have launched complaints, deeming the design fundamentally flawed. The chorus of grievances has grown so loud that at least eight drivers have formally filed compensation claims with the local authorities.
The digital world has provided a platform for commiseration, with a dedicated online group boasting over 4,200 members who document and dissect the curb’s vehicular carnage – often through humor and shared frustration.
Due to its unexpected fame, the curb has even achieved the status of a tongue-in-cheek “tourist attraction” on Google Maps.
Originally intended to enhance pedestrian safety, the upgraded 35cm curb was installed in October 2024, replacing a lower predecessor. The rationale behind the modification was to provide a more substantial barrier between vehicles and pedestrians.
However, the unintended consequence has been a surge in accidents. The location, a tight corner on a busy route leading to the train station, presents a challenge for drivers unfamiliar with the area. The narrow, single-lane road amplifies the margin for error, making the elevated curb a lurking threat.
While standard curbs typically stand around 10cm high, this particular curb’s more imposing 35cm profile significantly increases the potential for vehicle damage upon impact. This leads to costlier repairs and heightened frustrations for those caught out.
Anecdotal evidence underscores the curb’s impact. In June, 82-year-old retired pilot Anthony recounted how a misjudged turn resulted in £4,000 worth of damage to his vehicle. Upon taking his car to a local repair shop, he was informed that he was the third victim of the curb that very day. Similarly, in March, 34-year-old Tom experienced a similar fate with his Ford, and witnessed a BMW succumbing to the same curb just moments later. The damage, in both cases, extended beyond cosmetic scratches to include significant dents and structural damage.
A local florist confirmed the frequency of these incidents, reporting near-daily collisions and subsequent traffic congestion.
The surge in incidents following the curb’s October upgrade is undeniable. Prior to the modifications, compensation claims related to the location were virtually nonexistent. The fact that eight claims have been filed since suggests a direct correlation between the curb’s height and the increased number of accidents.
The narrative surrounding the “Car Killer” curb is, however, not without its detractors. Online debates are rife with accusations of driver error, with some arguing that the accidents are a consequence of poor driving skills rather than flawed infrastructure.
One online commentator wrote, “Can we please stop blaming the curb and start blaming the drivers? There’s a significant problem with driver competence.”
Another added, “The dedicated online page seems less about supporting ‘victims’ and more about mocking those who can’t drive properly.” Another commented, “If you can’t navigate a simple turn, you should have your license revoked!”
A driving instructor weighed in on the debate, stating, “I constantly remind my students to pay close attention to the curb when yielding during left turns. If visibility is limited from the driver’s seat, utilize the mirrors and the passenger-side perspective.”
From a driver’s education perspective, negotiating such a turn typically involves a maneuver akin to a “right-angle turn,” a fundamental element of many driving tests. Thus, failing to navigate the turn seems somewhat counterintuitive.
Regardless of where one stands on the debate, change is on the horizon. Local authorities have announced plans to modify the road layout, with work scheduled to commence next week. Adjustments will include reducing the slope of the sidewalk, lowering the curb’s height, and installing bollards to guide drivers around the 90-degree bend. These changes seek to provide drivers with additional visual cues, enhancing overall road safety.
In a related anecdote, Pennsylvania implemented an unusual road marking scheme in March, introducing a series of undulating lines designed to deter speeding. However, the initiative was met with skepticism and ridicule, with residents questioning its effectiveness and aesthetics. Many argued that traditional speed bumps were a more practical solution, leaving the community puzzled about the purpose of the sinusoidal road markings.
The concern was that the lines made people think other drivers were drunk, and that ordinary “speed bumps” would have been more useful as a deterent. The people living there were confused about the point of the so-called “unorthodox design”.
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