system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why are European curbs 3-5 centimeters tall (and don't destroy tires) while American curbs are 6 inches (15 centimeters) tall and shred tire sidewalls.
gpt
American curbs are there to protect pedestrians, protect drivers from driving off the road, protect landscaping beyond the curb, to retain and direct storm water in the road. The height is just easier to use in a design phase due to it being 0.50 feet rather than 0.33. 

Curbs 3-5 centimeters are tripping hazards, not ADA compliant and serve little purpose from a storm water standpoint.