Averting Disaster at the Hatch Shell

On May 1st I wrote this post: Allowing people to park on Storrow Drive is stupid and sent in a letter to the DCR to find out why they inconvinence thousands so that 100's can park their cars on Storrow Drive during concerts.

I heard back today:

Hi Steve,

We appreciate your comments regarding the lane restriction on Storrow Drive during Hatch Shell events. The Department of Conservation (DCR) initiated this practice as a public safety caution during events. The line of cars protects the thousands of spectators at the Hatch Shell from any auto accidents that would occur with passing traffic.

Sincerely,
The department of Conservation and Recreation

It's a blocking manuever?

Do they inform those people who park their cars there that they are providing a public services by sacrificing their cars in case of an accident?

You know, I drove by the Hatch Shell today and the way the road curves, I don't think many cars will be careening out of control into the crowds. There's also a few trees in the way.

Can anyone help me do some research on this?

How many accidents in the past 50 years have there been at the Hatch Shell and how many cars have ended up on the lawn over there?

I'm thinking that maybe we should invest in some attractive barriers carved in the shape of the New England Patriots Defensive front line to protect the concertgoers, in order to leave Storrow Drive free of parked cars.

Howie Carr, what do you think?