In Guangzhou, China, an unusual method is being employed to deter bridge jumping suicides: butter. The steel bridge in question has long been “popular” with jumpers, and officials have gone so far as to post security guards at both ends in order to thwart attempts–but to no avail.
Stephen Greenwood writes,
According to China Daily & the UK’s Metro Newspaper, government officials in Guangzhou have ordered a 1,000 foot long steel bridge to be covered in greasy fat to prevent people from climbing on the structure.
In addition to the guards, Government spokesman Shiu Liang said went as far as installing special fences with notices asking people not to commit suicide. And every new attempt, successful or not, means several hours of backed up traffic and a wave of complaints from local residents.
The butter however, has seen positive results. Bridge Guard Wong Man stated, “Since we put up the butter, there have been no problems with these attention seekers.”
Liang added, “now we have put butter over the bridge and it has worked very well. Nobody can get up there and nobody who tries ever falls.”
ah! well- Better Butter, than Bitter things.