children at play sign with acorn finial

SAFETY FIRST

Driving to work every morning, we are reminded that our fair city of Austin is growing – 172 new arrivals each day, according to the census bureau (all of whom are continuously driving at least one car apiece, it seems). Speaking on behalf of the Capital StreetScapes staff, that’s not a statistic we usually brag about, but it’s a sign of the times. The U. S. population overall is growing, particularly in our cities. As of 2010, more than 80% of Americans lived in an urban setting.

More cars and more people mean more opportunities for accidents, unfortunately. These include pedestrians and bicyclists, many of whom are kids under 14. It’s a fact that…

  • the majority of bicycle-related crashes among children occur on minor roads within one mile of the child’s home
  • pedestrian injury is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 5-14
  • more than 20% of traffic deaths among children ages 14 and under occur as pedestrians.

It’s critical that drivers respect others' use of the road in residential areas. How?

  • KNOW THE SPEED LIMIT - Most streets have a speed limit between 25 and 35 mph.
  • STAY ALERT - Take notice of children walking home from school or a car backing out of a driveway.
  • WATCH FOR TRAFFIC SIGNS - Come to a complete stop when you see a stop sign. Slow down when you see a sign announcing a school.
  • LIMIT DISTRACTIONS - Fiddling with the radio or talking on a cell phone can be disastrous when driving in a residential area.
  • WATCH FOR PEDESTRIANS - Pedestrians have the right of way in an intersection.

Safe driving in residential areas is critical, and neighborhood street signs, signals and roadway markings can help create a safe and organized driving experience. So if you’re a concerned parent, serve on an HOA board or are just a conscientious resident, consider Capital StreetScapes as your source for wayfinding and decorative traffic signs. We offer ornamental sign posts and sign components that tastefully frame your neighborhood signs and can enhance the character of your surroundings. We offer a variety of styles and sizes at wholesale pricing that will please everyone. Check us out!