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: $\begin{array}{ccc}
\text { Number of lights } & \text { Estimated deaths per year } & \text { Total installation cost (in millions) } \
0 & 3 & \$ 0 \mathrm{~m} \
1 & 2 & \$ 3 \mathrm{~m} \
2 & 1.5 & \$ 7 \mathrm{~m} \
3 & 1.2 & \$ 12 \mathrm{~m} \
4 & 1 & \$ 18 \mathrm{~m} \
5 & 0.9 & \$ 25 \mathrm{~m}
\end{array}$
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

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The low-hanging-fruit principle suggests that the easiest and least expensive solution should be implemented first. In this case, installing the first light in the level area is the easiest and least expensive option. As more lights are added, the cost increases significantly, and the benefits (reduction in fatalities) decrease. Therefore, the highway department should apply the low-hanging-fruit principle and install one light in the level area. This will provide some improvement in safety while keeping costs manageable.

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