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Accidents Caused by Being Unable to See Street Signs

If a driver cannot see a street sign, this can result in a tragic accident. Running a stop sign because you didn't see it due to its positioning or some obstruction can be deadly. Highways and roadways are supposed to be regularly maintained, including the signage, to ensure and provide safety for the drivers and their passengers, as well as for pedestrians. Sometimes thoroughfares and the signs are not maintained as well as they should be.

  1. Sign Characteristics

    • Signs must be placed at the right height and location and be the right color so that drivers know that there is, for example, a stop ahead, hazardous conditions or a work crew on the road. Crosswalks must have definitive signage and be clearly defined on the roadway as well.

    What Signs Do

    • Signs give drivers and pedestrians time to respond appropriately and in enough time to the situation they are entering. The signs need to be simple and clear yet get the message across. There should be no ambiguity. Engineers study the area and determine where signs should be placed. If signs are ineffective or unwarranted, they can be just as much a hazard as no sign at all. They can distract drivers from other signage that is more important. Traffic signs must warn drivers and guide them. They must also regulate traffic flow not only of motorists but of equestrians, pedestrians, bicyclists and other motor vehicles. The signs fulfill a need, keep people safe and must command attention.

    Keeping Abreast of Changes

    • Roads must be monitored by the state to keep abreast of changing circumstances, such as more traffic volume or the construction of a new school building that results in pedestrian traffic. When the circumstances of an area change, new signs are required and must be erected as soon as possible.

    Railroad Crossings

    • Not putting a stop sign at a railroad crossing is negligent. If a sign is obstructed by trees or buildings, this is also negligence on the part of the state. The law firm of Stritmatter, Kessler, Whelan & Coluccio demonstrates on its website that many accidents have occurred at railroad crossings because drivers didn't see the sign and didn't see the approaching train.

    Older Drivers

    • In December of 2010, Ray LaHood, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, decided not to move forward with a plan that would force all towns and cities to buy new signage for their streets that were more visible and legible to older citizens who drive. It was noted by Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez that if you can't read, see or understand a sign, it is ineffectual and a distraction.

      The federal government advises that using all capital letters on signs is not good. Using uppercase and lowercase is better. The letters on street signs must be increased from 4 to 6 inches on every road where the speed limit is over 25 mph. This change should occur by January 2012, even though it is going to be an added expense for municipalities. By 2018, it is planned that all signs will have reflective letters that are clearly visible at night.

    Consistency

    • Additionally, signage is supposed to be consistent throughout the country so that there is no confusion about what a sign or symbol means when you are in another state.

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