There is an upcoming national requirement for what are known as break-away monument signs. Did you know that if a vehicle impacts a sign, regardless of driver reason, the sign monument owner could be responsible for not only vehicle damage, but liable in case of injury – or worse?
Understanding the Mechanics of Breakaway Systems
Breakaway sign monuments aren’t simply flimsy structures; they are engineered to absorb and dissipate impact energy. Their design incorporates specialized materials and structural elements that allow the sign to detach from its base upon impact. This controlled detachment prevents the sign from becoming a projectile, minimizing the risk of further harm to the driver.
The core of a breakaway system lies in its specific material composition and structural integrity. Instead of solid, monolithic materials, breakaway signs often employ composite materials like reinforced polymers, strategically placed junctures, and specialized anchoring systems. These components are specifically engineered to fail in a controlled manner. The components absorb impact force and prevent the sign from entering the vehicle windshield. The engine stays in the front compartment. The air bags do not even need to deploy.
Crucially, the design must be rigorously tested to ensure that the breakaway mechanism functions as intended under various impact scenarios, including different vehicle speeds and angles.
Comparing Breakaway Systems to Traditional Signs
Traditional signs, while often aesthetically pleasing, lack the crucial safety features of breakaway systems. The potential for injury and property damage is significantly higher with traditional signs in the event of a collision. Breakaway systems are designed to protect both the driver and the property, minimizing the severity of impacts.
Addressing Potential Concerns
One potential concern about breakaway systems is their aesthetic impact. However, modern designs often incorporate aesthetic considerations into the breakaway system. We design signs to be visually appealing without sacrificing safety. Furthermore, the integration of breakaway systems as a standard practice can contribute to a more unified and consistent design language for entrance signs across different municipalities.
The transition towards breakaway sign monuments represents a crucial step in enhancing road safety. By prioritizing driver and pedestrian safety, municipalities and property owners can mitigate risk and create safer environments for everyone. The integration of breakaway systems, guided by the expertise of government agencies and backed by real-world evidence, signifies a positive and proactive approach to accident prevention.
The Break-Away Solution
The shift towards breakaway signs is not just a trend; it’s a necessary evolution in the design and construction of critical infrastructure, ensuring the safety of our communities for years to come.
The breakaway product we produce eliminates liability by the “break away” solution, meaning the sign itself literally breaks away from its support brackets, saving the drivers’ life and minimizing the damage to the vehicle. This solution still meets (and exceeds) local Ordinance for footer inspections.
Our Government New Safety Standards
The adoption of breakaway signs isn’t solely driven by private entities; government agencies play a pivotal role in promoting and enforcing safety standards. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the National Highway System (NHS) issued guidelines and recommendations for municipalities regarding the design and installation of traffic safety features, including entrance signs.
These guidelines often incorporate testing protocols and standards that ensure breakaway systems meet specific safety criteria.
A Safe Environment For All
Safety standards are not just about avoiding liability; they also create a safer environment for everyone using the roads. Government agencies know preventing accidents is more cost-effective and beneficial in the long run than managing the consequences of an accident. By mandating or recommending breakaway systems, governments contribute to a national trend of prioritizing driver and pedestrian safety.
This apartment complex bought a break-away monument sign. The sign monument is located in DOT right of way:
This is a break-away monument sign for an HOA development:
We speak break-away requirements, from DOT standards down to your local City Code. Our goal is to protect you and your investment.
Get Started Now
Best Sign Monuments is ready to help enhance the look and feel of your property. By working with our expert designers, you will have full capability to customize all of your signage.
At Best Sign Monuments, we deliver products that live up to our name. We use only the best materials and employ only the best crew. For the quality you will receive, we offer the best pricing. See what others have to say in our testimonials.
Custom monument signs provide a sense of distinction and permanence to your property. Our sign monuments are the style most desired and required by municipalities nationwide for an all over better looking community. With over (2) decades of nationwide success, we will make You Look Your Best!
Check out our Sign Photo Collage Gallery which includes hundreds of examples of signage projects we have designed and produced over the years!
Buy a break-away sign for your business or community. Get A Free Quote!
Call us toll free at (800) 735-7209 for your Sign Monument needs!
Our sign products arrive fully assembled, ready to position in place. Learn more about faux masonry (brick and stone matching), and embossed graphics that are vandal resistant. Other options include:
- Any Size
- Any Shape
- Any Color Combination
- Custom Color Matching
We have fine-tuned every aspect of made-to-order custom sign monuments. You will be in touch with an experienced sign designer, seasoned in cost-effective solutions. Our designers listen to your needs, and deliver results.
We will walk you through every stage, from design to installation, making the entire process simple and rewarding. Our sign monument examples are in every climate imaginable, and we are set up as approved vendors in City Planning & Development Departments nationally.
Company staff is a collaboration of artists with decades of experience in the dimensional signage and monument industry. Your project suited to your needs. We will provide you with the most dynamically designed signage solution.
Our focus is to design, produce, and deliver the Best sign products.
Our goal is to make you look your Best, and to save you unnecessary expenses.
We offer personal service, creativity and value.
Our custom sign monuments provide a sense of distinction and permanence to your business AND your community. We will make You Look Your Best!