APPENDIX A.3

CHILDREN AT PLAY

“WHY WON’T THEY PUT UP CHILDERN AT PLAY SIGNS?”

An often-heard neighborhood request concerns the posting of generalized warning signs with “SLOW CHILDERN AT PLAY” or some other similar message. Parental concern for the safety of children in the street near home, and a misplaced but widespread public faith in traffic signs to provide protection often prompts these requests.

Although some states have posted such signs widely in residential areas, no factual evidence has been presented to document their success in reducing pedestrian accidents, operating speeds or legal liability. Studies have shown that many types of signs attempting to warn of normal conditions in residential areas have failed to achieve the desired safety benefits. If signs encourage parents and children to believe that they have an added degree of protection, which the signs do not and cannot provide, a greater disservice results.

Because of these serious considerations, California law does not recognize, and Federal Standards discourage, use of “Children at Play” signs. Specific warning for schools, playground, parks, and other recreational facilities are available for use where clearly justified.