Suppose a treacherous stretch of road winds through Deadman's Canyon for 5 miles.A highway department study estimates that better lighting would reduce the traffic fatality rates as follows: $$\begin{array} { c c c }
\text { Number of lights } & \text { Estimated deaths per year } & \text { Total installation cost (in millions) } \
0 & 3 & \$ 0 \mathrm {~m} \
1 & 2 & \$ 3 \mathrm {~m} \
2 & 1.5 & \$ 7 \mathrm {~m} \
3 & 1.2 & \$ 12 \mathrm {~m} \
4 & 1 & \$ 18 \mathrm {~m} \
5 & 0.9 & \$ 25 \mathrm {~m}
\end{array}$$
Highway engineers have identified one level area in which one light could be located,but due to the rough terrain installation in additional locations is increasingly costly as more light locations are added.The highway department

Question

Suppose a treacherous stretch of road winds through Deadman's Canyon for 5 miles.A highway department study estimates that better lighting would reduce the traffic fatality rates as follows: $$\begin{array} { c c c } 
\text { Number of lights } & \text { Estimated deaths per year } & \text { Total installation cost (in millions) } \
0 & 3 & \$ 0 \mathrm {~m} \
1 & 2 & \$ 3 \mathrm {~m} \
2 & 1.5 & \$ 7 \mathrm {~m} \
3 & 1.2 & \$ 12 \mathrm {~m} \
4 & 1 & \$ 18 \mathrm {~m} \
5 & 0.9 & \$ 25 \mathrm {~m}
\end{array}$$
Highway engineers have identified one level area in which one light could be located,but due to the rough terrain installation in additional locations is increasingly costly as more light locations are added.The highway department

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The low-hanging-fruit principle states that one should first tackle the easiest and most effective solution to a problem before moving on to more complex and costly solutions. In this case, the installation of one light in the identified level area is the easiest and least costly solution that also provides a significant reduction in estimated deaths per year. As the installation of additional lights becomes increasingly costly, it makes sense to prioritize the most effective solution first. Therefore, the highway department should apply the low-hanging-fruit principle and install one light in the level area.

Suppose a Treacherous Stretch of Road Winds Through Deadman's Canyon