ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Roadside memorial

Have you ever been in a car and seen a group of flowers, pictures, or other things on the side of the road? That is called a roadside memorial, and it is a special place that people create to remember someone who has died in a car accident at that spot.

When someone dies, it can be very sad, and the people who were close to them might want to do something to remember them. Sometimes, they choose to make a roadside memorial. They might put up a wooden cross or a sign, or they may leave flowers, candles, or stuffed animals to show that they are thinking about the person who died.

People make these memorials for different reasons. They might want to show how much they loved the person who died, or they might want to warn others to drive safely on that road. Sometimes, people make a roadside memorial because they don't want anyone to forget about the person who died.

It's important to remember that even though these memorials can be very special to the people who make them, they are not meant to be permanent structures. Over time, the items may start to break down or fade away. Sometimes, the city or state might need to remove the memorial because it is on public land or because it could be dangerous to drivers.

Roadside memorials are ways for people to express their grief and sadness and remember the people they love who died in a car accident. They serve as a reminder to be safe on the roads and to cherish our loved ones.
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