Presque Isle Public Works occasionally receives requests to install new signs. Sometimes the request involves a parent who is concerned for the safety of their child playing near the street. They often request a new sign installed that says “Children Playing” or something similar.
Certainly parents are rightly concerned for the well-being of their children, particularly when they might be playing near the street. However, “Children Playing” signs only give parents a false sense of security and are not recommended. Parents need to be more actively engaged in the welfare of their children.
Drivers quickly become acclimated to signs and often do not pay much attention to them. Often drivers don’t even pay much attention to regulatory signs, such as speed limit signs. So, are they going to give much attention to an advisory sign, such as a children playing sign?
What can you do if you want to let drivers know that there is a child or children in the neighborhood? Believe it or not, the simplest way to get a driver’s attention is to leave a bicycle, tricycle, ball, or similar toy on the lawn near (not in) the street. That will do more to alert a driver than a sign will.
The key to this driver alert system is to change the type of toy or location frequently. If you leave the same toy in the same place on your lawn 24 hours a day for 7 days a week, it will just become another “sign” that pretty much gets ignored. Using this strategy with a toy only when the child or children are playing outside would be a start. Use different toys placed in different parts of the lawn at different times.
Another option is to use mini traffic cones along the curb in front of your property. This is unusual and not a typical sign and attracts the attention of drivers. Sometimes homeowners purchase “Children Playing” signs that are in the shape of a child that can be placed on the lawn near the street.
Again, whatever you do, don’t rely on a sign or toy or pylon to protect your child. But perhaps using some of the tips described here will help alert drivers to the presence of children in the neighborhood.
If you have questions on this or other public works issues, please contact the Public Works Division at 764-2560.
Dana H. Fowler, P.E., is public services director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be reached at 760-2707 or via email at dfowler@presqueisleme.us.
