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The Traffic Engineering Division frequently receives requests from parents for "Children at Play" or similar warning signs in residential areas. The requests stem from parent's concern for their children's safety in the streets near their homes. Unfortunately, these requests are based on a widespread, but false belief, that traffic signs provide protection.
Although "Children at Play" signs may be posted widely in residential areas in some municipalities, there is no evidence that they are successful in preventing pedestrian injuries, or decreasing vehicles' speed or legal liability. Studies have shown that signs of this type have failed to achieve the desired safety benefits. Since children live in virtually every neighborhood, signs would have to be posted in all blocks or drivers might assume that no children live where the signs are not posted.
Alternatives to "Children at Play" signs are available. Frequently, people who request "Children at Play" signs live in neighborhoods without a sidewalk. A sidewalk acts as a barrier to the street and also gives children an additional place to play.
Appleton offers numerous playgrounds and parks for children to play safely. Playing in the street is unnecessary and unsafe, and a "Children at Play" sign might indicate that the street is an acceptable place to play.
"Federal Standards" discourage use of "Children at Play" signs for the reasons stated above. Although Appleton does not use these signs we do post school pedestrian crossings and recreation areas where warranted.
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