Several years ago (back in the mid-1600’s) a first-time law went into effect in Britain requiring roads’ name signs to be posted. Before that law (and way before Google maps), commoners must’ve wandered aimlessly about, only finding their destinations through happenstance. Eventually once street names were established, instructive/warning signs started popping up in the early 1800’s, as bicycling became more prominent. According to this article, these were typically used to caution of dangerous turns or changes in elevation. One such early image was a simple skull and cross bones to signify steep hills… I wonder if anybody thought it meant, ‘Beware: Pirates Ahead’.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has made America’s signage pretty standardized (a couple exceptions are noted at the end of this blog) but through various international travels, I’ve come across some unique watch-outs that might give one pause as they go about their day-to-day activities.
While taking a stroll down a relatively quiet road in Gibraltar, I passed some anxiety-causing alerts. Happily, there were no monkeys, giant praying mantises (praying mantes, if you prefer) or boulder avalanches that day.
Drivers in Australia were notified that an unexpected emu might cross the road causing a fender bender, however it’s perhaps avoidable at slow speeds. But what should you do to protect yourself from random gunfire… or worse… a low flying owl that could peg an unprepared pedestrian in the head?
Aside from cars needing to steer clear of wayward wildlife, in the Germanic countries there seem to be other dangers to contend with – everything from automobile-eating trees to tire pain.
In Switzerland, the trainyard sign-designer seemed unsure how to convey their important message. While the verbiage clearly explained the rules, the image appeared to be less about rail-danger and more about how to socially distance.
The illustrators in the States have also shown interesting representations for their messages. In Scottsdale, the dog is king while its owner needs to be at the (very) ready when the pup has to poop. And, in Chicago, exhaust fumes (which sort of look like how I draw birds) will apparently engulf anyone nearby, so avoid walking behind suffocation-inducing vehicles.
To wrap this up, stay safe out there, boys and girls – and pay attention to what’s posted along your thoroughfares – perhaps it will be the typical ‘no left turn’, ‘yield’ or ‘farm machinery crossing’, but just in case, be on guard for low flying owls.
Signing off!