Market Accident Probe Misplaces Blame

What a colossal waste of taxpayer money for the National Transportation Safety Board to blame metal barriers as a factor in the July 2003 Santa Monica Farmers’ Market carnage (“Flimsy Barriers Cited in Crash,” Aug. 4).

Even worse is the agency’s suggestion that cars should now be manufactured with black boxes to analyze accidents, which would certainly increase new car prices. Where is the common sense here?

The only black boxes needed are those in which families should lock the keys of elderly and arrogant relatives who insist on driving when they have had recent accidents and their mental acuity is compromised.

I am in favor, however, of a commission that can explain what is taking so long for 87-year-old George Russell Weller to be tried for negligent manslaughter. Each day he remains free from punishment is a slap in the face to his victims and society.

Dawna Kaufmann

Los Angeles