Terror Attack in Nice, France leaves over 80 dead

[vetrade]

Would this change your plans to travel to France?
Have a friend taking his wife and kids over next week who is still unsure.

The unfortunate thing about travel to France now is that most people, especially those with children, might feel reluctant to visit the main tourist spots and festivities because they seem to be the main targets of terrorists. That's a sensible option but of course avoiding those places defeats the purpose of going there for a trip anyway. There might be merit in choosing "off peak" times to visit the main attractions. Alternatively, there's a lot to see in France other than the main cities.

 

[phily]

Would this change your plans to travel to France?

Not at all. Tourists are still far more likely to be injured/killed in an ordinary car accident in France than by a terrorist.

Or if they were going to the USA they'd be more likely to be injured/killed by a police officer (over 500 killed by police already this year), or by someone else with a firearm (Americans kill 13,000 Americans a year with firearms), than by a terrorist.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

The unfortunate thing about travel to France now is that most people, especially those with children, might feel reluctant to visit the main tourist spots and festivities because they seem to be the main targets of terrorists. That's a sensible option but of course avoiding those places defeats the purpose of going there for a trip anyway. There might be merit in choosing "off peak" times to visit the main attractions. Alternatively, there's a lot to see in France other than the main cities.

This is exactly why I'm not in France this week with my family. Even the option to route home ex-CDG is off the table due to festivities this week.

Decided on Netherlands instead.

Very sad to hear this news

 

[Pushka]

And the reasons for my bro and SIL travelling to France was for the commemoration of the centenary of Pozieres and Fromelles where our grandfather served. And has just been mentioned as a potential target.

We were in Paris this time last year and saw the final day of Tour de France. We thought that it was a possible target but went anyway. There is no point worrying about potential risks - they are everywhere.

 

[juddles]

.... if they were going to the USA they'd be more likely to be injured/killed by a police officer ....

Sorry phily, but this is atrocious rubbish. How many aussie tourists were killed in the last decade by "a police officer"??

The misuse of statistics is an ignorant abomination.

Just my humble opinion :/

 

[phily]

Sorry phily, but this is atrocious rubbish. How many aussie tourists were killed in the last decade by "a police officer"?? The misuse of statistics is an ignorant abomination.
Just my humble opinion :/

The issue is that terrorism accounts for far less injuries/deaths than car accidents, muggings, and non-terrorist shootings, yet we get unnecessarily scared off by an act of terrorism.

 

[juddles]

The issue is that terrorism accounts for far less injuries/deaths than car accidents, muggings, and non-terrorist shootings, yet we get unnecessarily scared off by an act of terrorism.

I hear your view, but in light of the huge publicity given to recent deaths caused by minor police organisations in the USA, I don't think it is appropriate to make such a link.

Why don't you compare it to shark attacks or beestings?

As an example of misuse of statistics, you could validly point out that in the last few years it is far more likely for an Australian tourist to be murdered by a suicidal airline pilot than fall to foul play at the hands of a US police officer.

Obviously this sort of comparison is distasteful, unnecessary, and truly ridiculous, even though it can be argued to be true.

In any case I totally agree with the underlying concept that terrorist attacks are rare and the likelihood of becoming a victim is extremely small. These various terrorists and lunatics have never changed my travel plans. Because that is what these people would desire.

 

[whatmeworry]

Absolutely dreadful, France is really copping it lately.
I hope that this is the last of it but somehow have my doubts.

Reports many Jihadists have returned from Syria back to France.

 

[JohnK]

Uncalled for.

There was nothing wrong with that statement.

Turning a blind eye to these events and continuing with everyday lives isn't going to solve the problem. It's going to provide more targets. That's all.

Sick and tired of the political correctness. I won't be visiting France, Belgium or Turkey. I do want to visit Greece for a few days but even that is dangerous.

 

[UP4014]

Not at all. Tourists are still far more likely to be injured/killed in an ordinary car accident in France than by a terrorist.

Yes, but being in France does increase your risk of being killed by a terrorist even though by a tiny %.

 

[robtemt]

Not at all. Tourists are still far more likely to be injured/killed in an ordinary car accident in France than by a terrorist.

Or if they were going to the USA they'd be more likely to be injured/killed by a police officer (over 500 killed by police already this year), or by someone else with a firearm (Americans kill 13,000 Americans a year with firearms), than by a terrorist.

Hopefully you aren't stupid enough to be in a situation where you do something that causes a US Cop to be suspicious enough of you to even draw their weapon. But with a comment like this, with all of the recent occurrences, I imagine you would be at risk. Don't go to the USA.

 

[UP4014]

The issue is that terrorism accounts for far less injuries/deaths than car accidents, muggings, and non-terrorist shootings, yet we get unnecessarily scared off by an act of terrorism.

Can I suggest you read this before making any more general sweeping statements.

32K killed in 2014 by terrorists, just because you don't see or hear about doesn't mean it's not going on.

http://economicsandpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Global-Terrorism-Index-2015.pdf

It's over 100 pages but worth a look.

Matt

 

[Quickstatus]

Already there are claims the driver was "apparently" just a disturbed loner etc etc etc.
Way past time that people like Waleed Ali and the imams realised that if they're not part of the solution then they are part of the problem.

Disturbed loner he may be but what was his motivation?.

Im not sure that the statistics re terrorists are correct. I would be skeptical because often terrorist attacks occur in areas and jurisdictions where statistical data collections are not reliable.
In any case most people do not conduct themselves according to the % risks.

 

[robtemt]

I apologise.

I let a post get to me, when what I should have said is the same thing that everyone else should be saying or thinking.....

This has been an awful day. There are thousands of people who will be crying, heartbroken, and their lives will never be the same after learning that their loved ones were killed while simply celebrating a national event. Its horrible, and as a forum full of well traveled individuals, people who supposedly have interacted, tried to understand, and done everything to experience the lifestyles of the people and countries they visited, the only comments should be those of support, sorrow, and positive reflection.

I let the opinion of one person, expressing themselves, affect me in a way that made me lash out, and I'm ashamed. I haven't been to France. But my partner and I are currently trying to get our visit next year solidified, and Nice was one of those cities we were trying to decide if we went to or not. Now, I will insist on going. I want to pay my respects to everyone who died in the course of simply enjoying life.

As a relatively new member, yet a long time traveling enthusiast, I ask that every FFA member think about what is important, and what we all have in common.... Our passion for travel, our desire to experience other cultures, and our reliance on others who have more knowledge on matters than we do, in order to learn, better ourselves, and be better people.

I hope everyone has a wonderful night and weekend. I hope everyone who has international travel plans in the near future, especially to Europe, and even more so to France, has a safe and wonderful holiday, and they don't let the actions of one (or a few) affect the experience they are seeking by visiting foreign countries.

Safe travels to all of you.

Rob

 

[marki]

And who is to blame for all of this mindless/senseless/pointless killing ? Where do all these weapons grenades etc come from ?

 

[amaroo]

And who is to blame for all of this mindless/senseless/pointless killing ? Where do all these weapons grenades etc come from ?

The answer is - obvious

The real answer is just as simple - Seppo's and the stupid countries that blindly follow (us)

YMMV....

 

[amaroo]

Would this change your plans to travel to France?

No. Our family travelled (wife & 2 kids) to Paris 6 weeks after the Nov 2015 attack on Paris. However, I haven't and wouldn't take my kids to Indonesia!

 

[phily]

32K killed in 2014 by terrorists, just because you don't see or hear about doesn't mean it's not going on.

That report also outlines that 53% of all terrorist deaths in 2014 occurred in Iraq and Nigeria, and that "thirteen times as many people are killed globally by homicides than die in terrorists attacks".

We have to keep these statistics in mind when assessing our risk when travelling anywhere. I recall being in London last year with my sister who was very anxious about a terrorist attack there, yet having to physically pull her back when she was starting to cross a street when she hadn't seen a car coming towards her.

 

[drron]

That report also outlines that 53% of all terrorist deaths in 2014 occurred in Iraq and Nigeria, and that "thirteen times as many people are killed globally by homicides than die in terrorists attacks".

We have to keep these statistics in mind when assessing our risk when travelling anywhere. I recall being in London last year with my sister who was very anxious about a terrorist attack there, yet having to physically pull her back when she was starting to cross a street when she hadn't seen a car coming towards her.

I thought those living in Nigeria and Iraq where still human and deserving of our compassion.
Quite frankly this sort of argument is pointless.So far this year in the USA 6200 people have been murdered by being shot but 29790 have died from influenza/pneumonia.What does that prove.
And as to your attacks on USA police up until July 9th this year 2090 people had been shot in Chicago,9 by police.

So lets get back to the real point.Innocent people,many of them children have been callously murdered whilst out enjoying fireworks.Many of the pictures are just heart wrenching.Even 1 death this way is 1 death too many.

 

[Simo]

Very sad... I am hating the way is changing and our kids aren't going to be able to go and be free spirits out and about...