Vehicle attacks are difficult to prevent — but New Orleans fell short, experts say

NEW ORLEANS: Vehicle attacks are becoming a real concern worldwide, and it’s tough to stop them. But the recent incident in New Orleans shows how the city didn’t do enough to protect its crowded areas, especially during New Year’s celebrations.

Before the attack, New Orleans had barriers that could have helped, but they weren’t set up. Some barriers were even taken down because they were broken. It’s frustrating to think that the city had these tools but didn’t use them when they were needed most.

Experts had warned the city about the risks years ago. A report pointed out that a vehicle attack was a likely threat in the French Quarter. It’s like they saw it coming, but nothing was done to fix the issues with the barriers.

Don Aviv, a security expert, said it’s ridiculous that the city didn’t have better security in place for such a big event. He believes they should have treated New Year’s Eve with the same seriousness as Mardi Gras, which draws huge crowds.

After the attack, temporary barriers were finally put up on Bourbon Street, but it was too late. The city has strong steel barriers, but they didn’t use them until a day after the incident.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser called the situation a “complete failure” in keeping the city safe. While officials defended their actions, it’s clear that there were gaps in security that should have been addressed.

The attacker drove a truck onto the sidewalk, causing chaos and injuries. It’s a reminder of how vehicle attacks are a growing problem globally. They can happen quickly, and it’s hard to stop someone who blends into traffic until it’s too late.

Cities have been trying to improve security with barriers, but even the best plans can fail if there’s a small opening. Experts say it only takes one mistake for a vehicle to cause serious harm.

In New Orleans, the bollards that were supposed to protect the area had issues. Some were out of order, and others weren’t used properly. It’s a letdown for the community, especially for those who work in the area.

Local workers expressed their disappointment, feeling that the city didn’t do enough to secure Bourbon Street during such a busy time. They wondered why the barriers weren’t in place when they were clearly needed.

As the city moves forward, it’s clear that they need to take these concerns seriously. The safety of the community should always come first, especially during large events.