Do "Slow Children At Play" signs provide protection for children?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no! Children playing in a residential area is not uncommon. Drivers recognize this fact and expect the presence of children: therefore, "Slow Children At Play" signs are warning of an obvious condition. Our experience and studies by other agencies have shown that attempts to warn of obvious conditions fail to achieve the desired safety benefits. There is no evidence that suggest that these signs prevent accidents or reduce speeds.

As these signs are not recognized by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and there are definite problems associated with them, it is our policy not to install "Slow Children At Play" signs.

*For more detailed information on this topic visit the Traffic Engineering Web page. Under Additional Information you will find a complete explanation on this topic as well as several others.

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1. How are speed limits established?
2. What Factors Are Considered Before Installing Traffic Signals?
3. Do "Slow Children At Play" signs provide protection for children?
4. Why Don't They Put Up More Stop Signs
5. How to submit a complaint.