The Minnesota Department of Transportation and some county administrators are dismissing the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" by suggesting that there is no data to prove the effectiveness of deer-crossing and children-at-play signs ("Warning: Safety sign ahead may not be doing its job," Oct. 12).
On a dark, wet road with leaves along the curb, when a driver (local or visiting) sees the sign and then swerves to avoid hitting a deer, how and to whom is he or she supposed to deliver data?
Parents are as concerned as ever about the safety of their children. Something in the history of a neighborhood prompted a local decision to put a sign up. Has any child been hit since?
In my work, I meet with people who have been injured in motor vehicle/motorcycle accidents. Most accidents can be prevented, and awareness of road conditions is an important mind-set for every driver. The cost of health care is skyrocketing, as are vehicle insurance premiums. Good road signage helps keep both down.
