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the use it because it's high enough that they can be almost completely assured of death when they hit the water. At that height it's almost the same as hitting concrete.

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ORIGINAL: Marc2b

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the use it because it's high enough that they can be almost completely assured of death when they hit the water. At that height it's almost the same as hitting concrete.

True.  But why give yourself those few seconds - when you're plunging toward the water - to realize that maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all?  At least with a gun to the head there's no time for anguished (and usuless) second thoughts once you pull the trigger.

Edited to add (in light of veletears' response to Greedy):  Here on the Erie Canal we get the occasional suicide attempt off one of the bridges.  Most don't succeed but some do and these bridges are only a fraction of the height that the Golden Gate is.  Although Height is certainly a factor I suspect an equally important factor is what part of your body hits the water first.  There is also the possibility of a stress induced heart attack on the way down.

Actually, around my parts, the favorite form of dramtic suicide is to jump into the Niagara River and get swept over the falls.  There are suicided hotlines located at various points along the river.

To be sure, though, sometimes they are not actual suicides but dumb ass out-of-state fishermen who somehow miss the big sign that says : WARNING.  FALLS AHEAD.  INCREASING CURRENTS.  NO BOATS PAST THIS POINT.  TURN BACK NOW.  $500.00 FINE FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY IF YOU SURVIVE. 

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ORIGINAL: pahunkboy
more people jump there then any other place in the USA.   supposedly they move to Californina, and then dont find "it" ...so  the last best hope then is gone.

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You could concievably survive a shot to the head, it's rare, but even gun suicides don't always go right.

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ORIGINAL: Lockit
How about spending that money on some better mental health policies in this nation?  Why not go the route of rather than catch you in a net... we help heal you and bring you back?

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ORIGINAL: velvetears

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-goldengate11-2008oct11,0,6335235.story

i cannot imagine going back to San Francisco and seeing that beautiful bridge with an ugly net underneath it.  What is to prevent the person from jumping with a cutting tool or climbing up the net and over it?  i think this is a stupid idea and a waste of money.  Determined people will find a way to kill themselves. 

i always wondered why people pick this bridge to jump off of - i have read people travel from all over just to jump from this bridge - anyone know why?