Did this past winter take a toll on your community’s traffic signs? Are you starting to notice dented signs and ugly bent poles at every turn?
If you live in the northern half of the country, this is an all-too-common springtime occurrence, leaving dangerous situations on your roads, as well as eyesores in your neighborhood.
But, there are actions you can take to help your local officials clean up the mess winter left behind. Just follow these four simple steps to help your city replace its damaged or missing traffic signs.
1 - Take a Photo
Nothing gets the attention of someone more than a picture. Take a photo of the sign or signal in need of repair and record the exact location where the repair is needed.
2 - Submit an Inquiry
Most local municipalities have contact forms on their website for residents to request repairs or report traffic issues. Complete these forms to reach the proper city official who can address your issue. If you feel the damaged or missing sign poses a direct threat to public safety, be sure to make your concerns known.
3 - Provide Suggestions
If this isn’t the first time a plow or winter conditions have damaged a sign or signal at this location, suggest the city upgrade the poles, posts and signs to better endure the elements. This will save everyone time and money by preventing site revisits every spring.
4 - Follow Up
Response time to repair missing or damaged signs can range from less than a day to up to a month, depending on the importance of the traffic sign. If the repair hasn't been addressed within four weeks, send a follow-up email reminding your local officials about the damaged or missing sign.
If your city is in need of high-quality traffic signs, posts and bases, browse through our online store and suggest the replacements you'd like to see in your neighborhood this spring.
Aleischa Kronshagen
TAPCO | Product Manager
With several years of experience in the traffic safety industry, Aleischa manages TAPCO's dynamic curve warning solution product line and most other specialty solution product lines, including emergency vehicle, icy road and intersection conflict.
Previously, she was a member of TAPCO's customer service team, which fostered a passion for process and data analysis, as well as creative problem solving.