Will “Children at Play” signs help slow traffic?

Signs are used to guide and direct motorists. However, unnecessary signs can confuse, distract and irritate motorists. Use of unnecessary signs can promote disrespect for all signs. The best example is the "CHILDREN AT PLAY" sign.

While it may seem that this sign would protect neighborhood youngsters, facts indicate otherwise. Although some communities have posted these signs in residential areas, no evidence exists to prove that these signs help reduce pedestrian accidents or lower speeds.

Studies have shown that many signs in residential areas, which are installed to "warn" people of normal conditions, fail to improve safety.

Pedestrians can get a false sense of security since drivers often disregard these signs. Signs that encourage parents or children to believe they have added protection (which they do not) can do more harm than good. Children should not be encouraged to play in the street. Federal standards reject these signs because they openly suggest that playing in the street is acceptable.

Since children live on nearly every residential block, if used, the signs would have to be placed on each street. Blocks with no signs might imply that no children live there, so it is all right to speed.
Therefore, the City of Greenville’s Traffic Engineering Division does not install " CHILDREN AT PLAY" signs. Specific warnings for schools and crosswalks are available for use where they clearly serve a purpose.

Warning signs can be effective tools if used sparingly and only to warn motorists of uncommon hazards that are not apparent to drivers.

Remember, "CHILDREN AT PLAY" signs

· ARE GENERALLY DISREGARDED BY MOTORISTS

· GIVE PEDESTRIANS A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY

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