Florida Department of Transportation Release

FDOT Urges Safety for Political Campaign Sign Removal

Chipley, FL - With the 2012 election season coming to an end, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is reminding citizens to use caution during the removal of political signs near state right of way.

To reduce visual clutter, it is recommended that all political campaign signs be removed within a reasonable time following the election. Improperly located signs on or near state right of way pose a safety hazard that can distract motorists or block their view, endanger the safety of individuals who are removing signs and present obstacles to crews who maintain roadways.

FDOT is offering safety tips to pedestrians removing political signs and motorists in areas with visible political signs.

Sign Removal Volunteers

· Don’t pick up signs on the roadway surface at any time.

· Don’t cross the highway unnecessarily; cross only at designated locations.

· Avoid working during peak travel times when traffic is heavy.

· Work only in daylight and in fair weather.

· Park all vehicles well clear of the roadway and at least 10 feet from the shoulders surface.

· Wear light-colored clothing at all times when working on or near the right of way.

· Face oncoming traffic when picking up signs and look up often to ensure that no vehicle is encroaching the area.

Motorists

· Drive within the posted speed limits.

· Dedicate full attention to the roadway.

· Disengage from distracting activities, such as changing radio stations and especially using mobile phones.

· Watch out -- not only for clean up activities in the area, but also parked vehicles.

In Section 479.11(8), Florida Statutes provide that no signs shall be erected, used, operated, or maintained on the right of way of any highway on the State Highway System. Political signs placed on state right of way will be removed by FDOT staff and placed at one of the department’s operations centers. FDOT personnel will make reasonable attempts to preserve campaign signs that are taken down and to provide campaign offices an opportunity to claim the signs.

The roadway right of way includes the roadway surface, concrete or grassy median, intersections, entrance and exit ramps, and a strip of land, usually bordering either side of the road, which is reserved for shoulders, drainage ditches, sidewalks, traffic signs/signals, fencing, electrical traffic signal control boxes, utility lines and future road expansion.

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www.dot.state.fl.us

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