Factories are full of different types of safety signs depending on the industry and its specific hazards, but one safety sign that can be found in all of them is the "X Days without Injury" sign. What is so important about this safety sign? It doesn't alert anyone of a hazard, or display safe operation information. It only tells workers one thing - we are safe, and have been for the amount of days on this sign.
The higher the number of days on the safety sign, the higher morale grows, along with a sense of job security. Just think of yourself as an applicant with two interviews. One factory has 32 days without incident, while another boasts an amazing 798 days free from harm. At first glance you would think that the second factory has better safety measures in place, takes compliance seriously, and knows that a job done safely is a job done right.
Now what if you saw similar statistics on a road safety sign, what would you think then? Is this road traveled by safer drivers, or are the conditions less likely to be hazardous?
Many states have started using programmable electronic signs to notify drivers of traffic jams, statewide safety notifications, and other important information. The I-80 Challenge Highway Safety Initiative is a program that recently promoted safer driving along Interstate 80, which runs across the country, from New Jersey to California. The cost of the program was substantial, but the reminders to drivers were inexpensive.
Michigan started using these safety signs in a campaign to bring fatal traffic accidents to a manageable number - zero. They are displaying one stark statistic, and only once a month, to focus drivers on roadway safety. The number they are using is the number of traffic deaths the state has seen, year-to-date. With errors and aggressive behavior being leading causes of accidents, Michigan hopes that these startling stats will increase focus and safety awareness.
By using a road safety sign like one found in a factory, drivers can be made aware of the risks that distracted driving have, and hopefully take safe driving seriously.