Traffic Signs & Accidents
An accident is an unexpected and undesirable occurrence. Many can be avoided. Traffic accidents are the result of weather, mechanical failure, poor roads and a driver's behavior. Traffic accidents can also sometimes be caused by traffic signs, some say.
Other People Are Reading
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Lack of Signs
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Drivers traveling an unfamiliar route may search for identification and street signs, and risk not paying close attention to driving. When there is a lack of visible and detailed signs, the chance of traffic accidents can increase.
Too Many Signs
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Stop, go, yield, right of way, watch children, slow down, railroad crossing and toll ahead can cause confusion to most any driver. Too many traffic signs can be conflicting and dangerous, and may lead to fender benders or more serious crashes, argues Duke University psychology professor John Staddon in a 2008 Atlantic article "Distracting Miss Daisy."
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Fewer Signs
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Hans Monderman, a traffic engineer, said in Wired magazine in December 2004 ("Roads Gone Wild") that fewer traffic signs mean less traffic accidents. Monderman suggested that too many traffic signs are confusing. They are an admission by road designers that they have not adequately done their job.
Benefits
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The Federal Highway Administration is working with 3M to improve quality and visibility of traffic signs. The FHA acknowledges that traffic fatalities are three times higher at night. Sign upgrades leads to less crashes, and not only saves money, but also saves lives.
Considerations
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It is not up to the driver to avoid or to disregard traffic signs. A stop sign must be obeyed even if no other cars are in sight. Bypassing railroad crossing signs has resulted in many fatalities.
Fact
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Traffic accidents kills thousands of people every year. Most are the result of inattentive drivers. Whenever a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they put their life and others lives at risk. Too many traffic signs may be the cause rather than the cure in some instances, but when traffic signs are ignored, many are at risk.
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