Although it sometimes appears that we live in a confused
world the role of government in our lives has not changed. To some that role is often seen as intrusive.
Their call is for less government. Others appear to welcome – and often appear
to demand – a more active role in our daily lives. What has not changed is
government’s first duty and that is public safety. The primary goal is prevention and protection
of the public from dangers such as crimes or disaster.
To do this government exercises important functions such as
building roads, running public schools, providing water, organizing police and
fire services, establishes building regulations and arranges elections for
their citizens. Some people obviously are concerned with the cost of government
and how it’s doing its business. The right of dissent and discussion is part
and parcel of our American way of life.
When people intentionally make the role of government more
difficult than what it needs to be it concerns me and should be a concern to
every resident. Especially when the act
noted involves a danger to the motoring public. Illegally removing a STOP sign
from an intersection is extremely dangerous.
Each highway sign you see is placed where it is, with
restrictions on height and location, as defined in the Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). It’s
published by the Federal Highway Administration under 23 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 655, Subpart F. Its
purpose is to ensure the uniformity of not only the sign itself but where the
sign is placed. Road managers nationwide must use these regulations to install
and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways
and private roads subject to public travel.
These signs are there to help the motoring public navigate
our highways in an informed manner – regardless of the whether its day or
night. Knowing that there is a curve
ahead, an intersection or other highway condition you’re about to encounter is
valuable information and has saved countless lives in the process.
Alarmingly – I recently received a report which indicated
that over about a one year period of time our Public Works Department had to
respond to situations where lawfully placed signs – active and required traffic
control devices – were either stolen, had been painted over or were riddled
with bullet holes. At least 12 instances
involved the illegal removal of a STOP sign.
The cost of the STOP sign itself? Approximately $133.00. Maybe another hundred or so to physically
install the new sign. What is the cost
of a human life?
I don’t understand all the things that drive people to do
the things they do. I doubt any of us ever will. A big red and white sign on your bedroom
wall, your “man cave” or dormitory room might seem like a neat thing to have
but please know this: Our Public Works
Superintendent considers it a crime. Our
Sheriff considers it a crime as does the New York State Police. None of which
will accept the notion that removal of a STOP sign or other traffic control
device is a harmless prank.
Approximately 70 signs were either stolen or destroyed –
that’s 70 instances of multiple scenarios where the motoring public was placed
at risk. All of which is unacceptable and will be prosecuted to the fullest
extent of the law.
My recommendation is that if you know that a significant
other, your child, niece, nephew or grandchild – or even a neighbor – has
possession of a traffic control device (A STOP sign or other official signage)
which was taken from our county highway system that you or someone in authority
contact our Public Works Department as soon as possible. It’s far better to surrender something like
this than to force the county to take punitive action.
I know this county and its leaders well. They will not sit by and allow this type of
behavior to continue. It’s far too
dangerous. Cameras don’t lie and their cost is De minimis (too trivial or
minor to merit consideration, especially in law) when compared with a human
life. It’s one measure I’m sure someone
has under consideration.
Our Public Works Department can be reached at
585-268-9230. Our Sheriff can be reached
at 585-268-9204.
Karl Graves
Legislator District 4
