Explained: Why "Children At Play" Signs Are Useless

First, let me say this: I know this is a slightly controversial topic. It hits close to home for many, many people. If you've ever loved a child, then you know what it's like to want to keep them safe. That being said, I don't think that putting up Children At Play signs are a good idea.



Also, for brevity, I will be abbreviating Children At Play as simply CAP. Onward!

PROS OF "CHILDREN AT PLAY" SIGNS
or, Why Parents Love These Signs

There are two main arguments in favor of CAP signs. The first one is very emotionally based - I love my children, and I am going to give my all to make sure they're safe

Besides the emotional investment that comes with protecting children, these CAP signs seem to make sense. If you see signs to stop, you stop. This line of argument appeals to the rational brain - if you see a sign indicating playing children, you would slow down, right?

Many parents who want these signs choose to petition their local government. The local department of transportation (abbreviation: DOT) is a great place to request new signs in your area.

However, even if the local DOT says no, many places offer CAP signs for sale. Amazon.com, Toys R Us, and several other parent focused websites offer some kind of CAP warning sign. Most of them feature reflective material, bright colors, and some kind of portability. Some places recommend that you take down the signs after playtime is over so the motorists won't grow complacent and begin to ignore your sign.

This idea of complacent motorists is a great bit of logic, and if we follow it down the rabbit-hole then we can begin to understand why CAP signs are such a bad idea.

CONS OF "CHILDREN AT PLAY" SIGNS
Or, Why I Wouldn't Depend On These To Save The Life Of A Fly

There are four major reasons why requesting a CAP sign is not likely to happen.

1. Motorists tend to ignore these signs
   
2. They give a false sense of security for the families
   
3. They could pose a legal risk for the DOT

So, I have done work for a DOT before. While there, I was able to get some great resources. In fact, all these tidbits come from interviewing the employees. I was suprised to find out that my DOT has a policy against installing those signs. What's more, they're not alone. If you live in the US, I recommend looking up "Child at Play [name of state] department of transportation" on Google.com. I think you will find that your DOT does not install those signs. They do nothing! People can and DO ignore signs. If you put a sign up, and children are not actually playing at that time, then people will soon learn to disregard that sign. Seriously. It makes sense, really- if you are in a neighborhood, you should know enough to look out for kids. If you don't habitually look out for children, then a sign might help you. However, if the children aren't out a majority of the time, then the sign is meaningless for that driver and it will get ignored.

Also, these signs are not legally enforcable. If you speed in a neighborhood, the police can't fine you extra because you're in a Child Play Zone.

The final reason why most DOT's don't install the signs is because of lawsuits. There have been lawsuits where people sue their department of transportation for tacitly approving children at play in the middle of the street by installing those signs. The DOT does not want children in the road, and this sign could be construed as approval of this activity. In fact, the Manual of Traffic Control Devices - the traffic signage Bible - does not have a Children at Play sign currently in it. It has been removed for these very reasons.

All in all, there are many great ways to keep your children safe from fast-moving cars. Education is very valuable, and teaching your children early on about the dangers of cars is never a bad idea. If the speeding is a concern, however, call your local DOT and request traffic calming options in your neighborhood. Traffic calming is when the road is altered to force traffic to go slower... but that explanation is for another time! I hope this was useful, if you have any questions or comments feel free to let me know!