2008 Woodie Awards
Editorial: More than road signs needed to make point
Issue date: 9/28/06 Section: Opinion/Editorial
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Let's face it. You can't drive a Missouri road without going through a construction zone. They're everywhere - bridges, streets and highways. You name it and the Missouri Department of Transportation is finding some way to repair it.
In addition to the construction sites numerous warning signs outline the work areas. It's easy for drivers to pass the signs, not looking to the left and right, knowing the signs are there, but not really paying attention. Drivers are too busy to read signs; they're talking on their cell phones, adjusting the radio stations, putting on make-up, checking themselves out in the mirror.
But with new, more threatening warning signs posted along highways as of late August, 2006, drivers beware. The hit-a-worker signs warn drivers they can be fined $10,000 or lose their license for a year. Although serious, the signs aren't that intimidating. It is September and they are just now sinking in.
Sure, the orange-and-white coloring and black lettering grabs your attention somewhat, but the sign seems too soft. Instead of giving off a threatening aura, the wording may remind some of a video game points system.
While the words on the sign mean business, they seem to be taken lightly. When driving, people often joke about hitting a pedestrian for extra points.
MoDOT's efforts are noble; the organization is simply trying to protect drivers and construction workers. A MoDOT press release states two highway workers were killed in work zones in early August 2006. Since 2000, 214 MoDOT employees have been injured in work zones and seven have been killed.
The highway work zone law deserves applause for offering harsher punishments for reckless drivers who hit highway workers. A month and many construction projects later, some are wondering if the signs have done any good.
MoDOT's efforts aside, maybe another looming road sign for drivers to disregard isn't the answer. Road signs are vital, but so is a more active voice in the community. For drivers to understand the seriousness of their actions, there needs to be more than just a sign on the side of the road. MoDOT needs a voice.
In addition to the construction sites numerous warning signs outline the work areas. It's easy for drivers to pass the signs, not looking to the left and right, knowing the signs are there, but not really paying attention. Drivers are too busy to read signs; they're talking on their cell phones, adjusting the radio stations, putting on make-up, checking themselves out in the mirror.
But with new, more threatening warning signs posted along highways as of late August, 2006, drivers beware. The hit-a-worker signs warn drivers they can be fined $10,000 or lose their license for a year. Although serious, the signs aren't that intimidating. It is September and they are just now sinking in.
Sure, the orange-and-white coloring and black lettering grabs your attention somewhat, but the sign seems too soft. Instead of giving off a threatening aura, the wording may remind some of a video game points system.
While the words on the sign mean business, they seem to be taken lightly. When driving, people often joke about hitting a pedestrian for extra points.
MoDOT's efforts are noble; the organization is simply trying to protect drivers and construction workers. A MoDOT press release states two highway workers were killed in work zones in early August 2006. Since 2000, 214 MoDOT employees have been injured in work zones and seven have been killed.
The highway work zone law deserves applause for offering harsher punishments for reckless drivers who hit highway workers. A month and many construction projects later, some are wondering if the signs have done any good.
MoDOT's efforts aside, maybe another looming road sign for drivers to disregard isn't the answer. Road signs are vital, but so is a more active voice in the community. For drivers to understand the seriousness of their actions, there needs to be more than just a sign on the side of the road. MoDOT needs a voice.
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