This is to all the parents who believe that putting “Slow Children at Play” signs in the middle of the street will keep their children safer as they utilize residential streets as playgrounds.
Data shows that these signs in fact distract motorists, or are generally disregarded by motorists. Streets are intended for “motor vehicles”, with the exception of many streets that accommodate bicyclists with designated bike lanes. Streets are not intended as a playground for your children. I have never driven down a street that had a designated play area.
So to the woman up the street who asked me if I had children during this discussion regarding the signs, yes I do have children, and I taught my children to ride their bikes along the side of the street, because playing in the middle of the street was dangerous. I always thought that was just common sense, but I guess common sense isn’t so common anymore. Of course I was completely pissed when she asked this question, as if my opinion would be irrelevant if I did not have children.
These parents have the mentality that their children should have the “freedom” to play in the street if they wish, and everyone else should have the “responsibility” of looking out for the safety of their children. Don’t get me wrong I do think motorists should drive slow, and be cautious for children in residential neighborhoods. However, I do not think that it is fair for these parents to place additional distractions on motorists, in an effort to keep their kids “safe”, as they let them play in the street. Now we not only have to watch out for your kids in the middle of the street, but we have to watch out for the signs, bike ramps, toys, oh and the little kid that just darted out from behind that parked car that I did not see because I was watching out for all the other stuff, again in an effort to keep your child safe as you not only allow, but encourage them to play in the street. I won’t even get started on the fact that each of you would be “lawsuit “happy if God forbid one of your children were to be hit by a motorist due to your negligence in allowing your children to play in the street. Just curious would you let your child play with a gun as long as the safety was on, probably not. Guess what a vehicle can be a deadly weapon as well.
To the father who told me to show him statistical data that these signs are a distraction to drivers, and “don’t make it safer for his child to play in the street. My argument is, you show me ONE piece of statistical data that says it is safe for a child to play in the street under any circumstances. My guess is you will be hard pressed to find any as I am to find any common sense in your logic.
Parents it is your responsibility to keep your children safe, NOT MINE!!!!
