Mr. X is the engineering manager for the County Road Commission (CRC), with the primary responsibility for county road safety. Along a given stretch of the road, many people have died over the course of last 5 years by crashing into roadside trees. Many other accidents have also occurred. Two lawsuits had been filed regarding the unsafe segment of the road, but were dismissed because the drivers were exceeding the 45 mph speed limit. Mr. X recommends that the road be widened, cutting down a large number of trees in the process. This leads to a protest by environmental groups and they file a petition to save the trees; and instead educate people about following the road safety rules like speed limit etc. The public sentiment is divided on the issue with no sight of a wide consensus. Discuss how Mr. X should proceed at this point. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the case study. In the body, explain the societal values require in this case. Explain the professional ethical standards require in this case. Write your course of action with possible merits and demerits. Conclude with a fair and balanced approach.