Curious Traffic Signs

Graphics can be recognized faster than writing. People with reading disabilities can also view and understand graphics easier and faster. It now becomes curious to see a traffic sign that still uses text instead of a graphic.

This old-style text sign in Santa Cruz County, will eventually be replaced with a graphic.

Modern traffic signs try to use a graphic instead of text. Like this caution sign for tractors outside of Watsonville.

41st Avenue

On 41st Avenue, a yellow caution sign warns that "RIGHT LANE TURNS RIGHT AHEAD" there is even another sign —20 feet later— with the same warning. Normally, such a sign might be replaced with a graphic.

Two signs with the same warning on 41st. Photo by John Pilge, 2010.

Example of a graphic that would do the same.

Portola Drive

Beware of ducks? Where Rodeo Creek drains into Corcoran Lagoon, is a yellow caution sign that shows ducks. Naturally, it would be a bad thing to kill ducks with a car. It is fortunate that drivers are unlikely to see a duck in the area unless they drive a car into the water of the lagoon. If anyone does, they are cautioned about ducks.

38th Avenue

Two speeds; one for the road, one for the bump. On 38th Avenue there are speed bumps to slow traffic in the residential area. Here there are two speed signs. The slower speed is for the bump in the road. Curious they didn't use the same sign post.

Soquel Post Office

The Soquel Post Office parking lot is a one way driveway from the street to the back lot. There is an "ENTRANCE ONLY" sign at the start of the driveway facing against the traffic. (It is next to a "ONE WAY" arrow.) The sign can only be seen clearly if a vehicle is going against traffic and is ready to merge onto the street. Why the two signs couldn't be put at the other end of the driveway (where counter-traffic could be warned) isn't known. If it were a city lot, a "DO NOT ENTER" and a "WRONG WAY" sign would be posted in the back lot area where the traffic exits and counter-traffic could be warned. Maybe the federal government helped.

Bayona Drive

Many years ago someone complained about traffic on the street. The result was this sign.

East Cliff Drive

A sign to encourage drivers to check for cross traffic.

Sometimes all you can do is put up a sign and hope for the best.

Sometimes all you can do is put up a sign and hope people notice.

Pacheco and Fairmount Intersection

There is a planter/roundabout at the intersection of Fairmount Avenue and Pacheco Avenue. There is a sign that warns drivers to drive around the planter counter-clockwise.

What on-coming traffic sees.

Go around the planter counter-clockwise.

PEDESTRIANS PROHIBITED

Located at a corner of Capitola Road and 41st. Avenue,

This crossing was considered too hazardous for foot traffic. There is a similar set-up at Capitola Road and 38th Avenue, but without a sign.

After new traffic signals were put in and walkways added, they left the sign. The crossing area at 38th Avenue remains the same.

Share the Road

Share the road on Clares Street. Photo by John Pilge: May, 2010. There are many signs throughout the country that say or imply "Share the Road." This is the version used in Santa Cruz County.