It's a far better thing, as well as much easier, for government to act to prevent a disaster, or at least to warn residents loudly and clearly of the potential consequences of their foolish choices.

These bridges have needed fixing for 25 years and they're still operating?

Inspecting IDs is a waste of time and money, but it's ideal from the bureaucratic point of view because it doesn't solve the problem.

"It is the duty of every officer of His Majesty's Navy, to discharge powder and shot in the general direction of the enemy."