Can’t you put up a sign?

    Each year the Public Works Department receives requests for Children Playing signs and other “warning” signs, as well as, signs to reduce speed limits.  After investigation or traffic surveys many of these speed limit requests are denied.  Here’s why:  An unrealistically low speed limit can actually lead to crashes. • Many studies conducted over several decades in all parts of the country have shown that a driver’s speed is influenced more by the appearance of the roadway and the prevailing traffic conditions than it is by posted speed limit.
• Some drivers will obey the lower posted speed limit while others will feel it is unreasonable and simply ignore it.  This disrupts the uniform traffic flow and increases crash potential between the faster and the slower drivers.
• When traffic is traveling at different speeds, the number of breaks in traffic to permit safe pedestrian crossing is reduced.  Pedestrians also have greater difficulty in judging the speed of approaching vehicles.
    Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Sections 2073 and 2075 deal with unlawful speed.  This law states that “a person may not operate a vehicle in excess of maximum speed limits”.  If too many people are speeding it is an enforcement issue, not a signage problem.
    Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Sections 2073 and 2075 authorizes the commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Chief of the State Police, to set maximum and minimum speed limits on a public way.  The City cannot set or change speed limits. The City must request a speed survey to be conducted by the Maine Department of Transportation to determine the proper speed before any changes can be made.
    Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Section 2074 states that the following are maximum rates of speed, except when conditions or other regulations require a lower speed:
• 15 mph in a school zone during recess or during opening or closing hours;
• 25 mph in a business or residential area or built up portion, unless otherwise posted;
• 45 mph on all other public ways, unless otherwise posted.
    Not all signs improve driver awareness: Certain signs like Handicapped Person, Deaf Person, Child At Play, Horse Crossing, and other similar signs erected on roadsides have been proven to usually serve no purpose and should be used very sparingly or not at all.  Some of the reasons for this can be given in relation to “Children At Play” signs.
• Based on numerous studies, there is no evidence that “Children At Play “ signs prevent injury or decrease the speed of vehicles;
• They give parents a false sense of security;
• If too many signs are erected it breeds disrespect, not only for the specific sign but for all signs;
• Sign placement should not be decided by politics rather than sound traffic engineering judgment;
• Purchasing, erecting, and keeping these signs in good condition is expensive;
• Because these signs are confusing and may not meet the specific criteria for good signing, randomly placing “Children At Play” signs may open the municipality to liability if an accident occurs.
    For these reasons, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which is the nationwide wide standard for signage, discourages the use of these signs.
    The city should not and does not use Children Playing signs to try to regulate vehicle speeds. That is a law enforcement issue.
    Gerry James is director of the city of Presque Isle Public Works. He can be reached at 764-2560 or e-mail him at gerryjames@mfx.net.