In its simpliest form, safety signs are there to warn or convey a message to others. Not only is the message on the sign important but also its positioning. Now, consider what happened in Islington, London, just a few days ago.
A safety sign was used to help warn motorists of pedestrians crossing as there was some work being done in the area at that time. However, the safety sign was placed on the pavement, forcing pedestrians onto the road and thus in direct contact with oncoming traffic. Highly dangerous when you consider that the area of concern was right outside an extremely busy Tube station.
Making safety signs visible is important. Normally, there is some thought process behind where is best to place a safety sign so that it achieves its full potential without actually becoming a distraction or even more of a risk to individuals by the introduction of the safety signs.
Perhaps those that had the foresight to place large safety signs on a pedestrian walkway forcing commuters and pedestrians onto a busy road should reflect some of the common sense goals when considering the best position for a safety sign :
- Signs should be clearly visible, positioned in the line of sight
- Free from any obstructions or clutter
Now I wouldn’t say for sure, that thousands of people traipsing in and out of a London Tube Station could be construed as clutter. Also, if there were no alternative to forcing pedestrians onto the road, then a temporary walkway should have been constructed. All in all, the public should have been better protected. Safety Signs are not supposed to put lives AT danger.
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