Children and Neighborhood Road Safety
The Bay County Road Commission regularly receives requests for signs warning drivers that children may be present in residential neighborhoods. We understand that these requests come from a genuine concern for children’s safety.
However, generic “Children at Play” signs are not standard traffic-control devices and have not been shown to reduce vehicle speeds or prevent crashes. Drivers should always expect pedestrians, bicyclists, and children in residential areas and remain alert.
Why “Children at Play” Signs Are Generally Not Installed
“Children at Play” signs may unintentionally create a false sense of security for parents and children. A sign cannot guarantee that drivers will slow down or provide additional protection.
These signs can also suggest that playing in or near the roadway is acceptable. Children should always be encouraged to play in yards, parks, playgrounds, or other areas safely separated from traffic.
Using too many unnecessary or nonstandard signs may also cause drivers to pay less attention to signs that warn of specific and documented hazards. For these reasons, the Road Commission generally discourages the use of “Children at Play,” “Slow,” and similar nonstandard signs.
Speed-Limit Concerns
Speed limits on Michigan roads are established under state law and, when appropriate, through traffic and engineering studies. The Road Commission cannot simply post a lower speed limit in response to a request.
The applicable speed limit depends on several factors, including:
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Roadway classification and surface
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Traffic volumes and operating speeds
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Driveways and access points
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Pedestrian and bicycle activity
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Road width, curves, hills, and sight distance
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Crash history
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Surrounding development and land use
If motorists are exceeding an established speed limit, enforcement should be requested from the appropriate law-enforcement agency. The Road Commission may also review roadway conditions, existing signs, pavement markings, and available traffic information.
Truck-Traffic Concerns
Residents sometimes request “No Trucks” or similar signs to reduce commercial traffic in residential areas. Truck restrictions require a formal review and must be established through the appropriate legal process.
A posted restriction does not necessarily prohibit every commercial vehicle. Trucks may still require access for local deliveries, construction, utilities, public services, emergency response, or nearby businesses.
Because truck restrictions can affect surrounding roads and legitimate local access, requests must be evaluated based on traffic patterns, roadway conditions, safety concerns, and available enforcement.
Improving Safety for Children
The most effective way to protect children near roadways is through education, supervision, responsible driving, and the proper use of recognized traffic-control devices.
Parents and caregivers should:
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Teach children never to play in or near the roadway.
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Encourage play in yards, parks, and other designated areas.
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Supervise young children near streets and driveways.
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Teach children how to cross streets safely.
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Set a good example by obeying posted speed limits.
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Report persistent speeding to the appropriate law-enforcement agency.
Standard signs may be installed near schools, pedestrian crossings, playgrounds, and recreational areas when an evaluation shows that the applicable requirements are met.
Citizen Traffic Concerns
The Bay County Road Commission takes traffic and roadway-safety concerns seriously. Each request is reviewed using applicable standards, available traffic information, roadway conditions, and engineering judgment.
When submitting a concern, please provide the exact location, direction of travel, approximate time of day, and a detailed description of the issue. This information will help us evaluate the request.
We appreciate your patience and your commitment to keeping Bay County roads and neighborhoods safe.