S2E17 PnP Wes Marshall on Why Traffic Engineering Needs a Reckoning

What if the real danger on our streets isn’t reckless drivers—but the people who designed them?

In this powerful People and Projects episode of The Streets and People Podcast, traffic engineer and author Wes Marshall joins the show to unpack the hard truths behind his provocative new book, Killed by a Traffic Engineer. With two decades of experience and a sabbatical spent studying global best practices—including time in Australia—Marshall invites us to rethink everything we thought we knew about road safety.

Why do our roads still kill thousands each year, even as technology advances? Because, as Marshall reveals, many of our transportation systems are built on outdated assumptions, misaligned priorities, and silent values that prioritise speed over human life. And the worst part? We often blame the victim—labeling crashes as “accidents”—instead of fixing the systems that enable them.

This episode is a must-listen for city planners, engineers, elected officials, and anyone who’s ever wondered, “Why isn’t my street safe?” Marshall makes the complex accessible, using bite-sized chapters in his book and clear language in this interview to show how small changes—and smarter questions—can lead to life-saving results.

Whether you’re a professional or just passionate about safe streets, this conversation arms you with the insight and confidence to speak up, push back, and demand better. Because safe design isn’t a luxury—it’s a choice.

Where to buy Wes' excellent book new, used or ebook: https://booko.com.au/9781642833300/Killed-by-a-Traffic-Engineer-Shattering-the-Delusion-That-Science-Underlies-Our-Transportation-System

Check out Wes Marshall's website: Wes MarshallAnd on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/wesmars.bsky.social

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