Tom Vanderbilt, a writer for the famous "Slate" magazine submitted a piece this past year where he analyzed potential risks for kids caused by Slow Children traffic signs. You may be aware that there are actually many various kinds of Slow Children signs, but why don't we simply concentrate on the general sign without examining each and every sub-type.
While I never got the pleasure of getting together with Tom, I am certain he had the best motives while creating this editorial piece. But it's a different question whether or not what he professed in the article really is the case, let me just point out I do not believe him there. In this post Tom says that these Slow Children signs don't only have any influence on drivers, but basically lulls them to sleep, figuratively, since after cruising past all of these Slow Children signs for many years they never ever see any kids playing.
I am aware of just what Tom is saying. Actually, I know an old gal who put up one of these Slow Children signs on a street not far right from here (a non-USDOT authorized one, I may add) simply because fast-moving cars irritate her. Truth be told, there aren't any youngsters in that vicinity other than maybe on occasion when her grandkids come over. However, I know by personal experience that when I notice Slow Children signs in the area, I am much more alert, especially as I have small children myself.
Slow Children signs say to me, "Look out, just how would you feel if a child darted out in front of you and you drove into him or her?" And even though I may well see the same Slow Children signs every single day while driving about, they're a reminder, such as the radar detector on my own dashboard, to be wary. You never know whose grand kids will be in the neighborhood!
An additional point Tom makes in his op. ed. is that when you see Slow Children signs inside one area, and not another, are you going to for some reason assume there aren't any little ones in the Slow Children sign-less place? He believes this to be feasible. Let's say a child is run into by a car in a zone where there are no Slow Children signs? Would the city, state or even county be accountable? May they possibly be charged?
I do not want to head on down a rabbit trail right here on tort reform, nevertheless one tiny opinionated statement will not hurt. America, quit suing everybody about every little thing! OKAY, I am much better now.
Although I understand what Tom is attempting to convey about Slow Children signs, he provides no scientific proof that these types of signs inure the viewers to the probabilities of young children playing in the streets, but he does offer a bit of scientific evidence of the craziness of a 35 MPH speed restriction along with Slow Children signs. On this subject point I am in agreement. Tom reports that as a vehicle velocity move over 20 MPH, the probability of a fatality will increase exponentially. Therefore, with Slow Children signs, he suggests the practice adopted in several residential zones in the United Kingdom - 20 MPH speed limits.
In addition it may well be the case that as a result of this speed limit now all of the signs are disregarded, the Slow Children and the speed limit signs. Needless to say neglecting both signs as a result is definitely the worst case scenario. I say that it will not make a difference whether it be a Slow Children sign or some other sign, individuals who don't give attention to signs will certainly ignore this sign along with every other traffic sign. And naturally precisely the same would certainly happen with speed limit signs. Should we have surveillance cameras on all of the streets and venues and police officers watching on nearly every corner? Some might believe this is a good plan and others might avoid this concept strongly. It definitely would be the most suitable choice for the young ones, no doubt.
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