Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Doing a Doubletake


I saw this sign along the road the other day, having never seen anything like it I did a double take (and backtracked to get a photo.)   Why is it we only have speed limits posted in multiples of 5?  Maybe to make it easier to remember or to track while driving.  And, more importantly, why did they decide to break out of the mold with this sign?  Is it more effective, if only because it is so unusual?  I did notice I slowed down more than I would have if it had said 25.

Maybe there is a lesson here - standing out from the crowd could be just the thing we need to do to be noticed.

I'm stretching here, but I'm feeling the need for a little Ryan Adams in my life today, here's his "Sweet 'lil Gal (23rd/1st)"
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20 comments:

Ashley Sisk said...

I like this...I'm usually a sucker for even numbers, but I think any number that is different from the norm is pretty cool. I set my alarm to random times like 6:54 am.

Anonymous said...

I love road signs like this. There was a great one in Idaho two years ago and we didn't turn around to take a photo. I've regretted it ever since.

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Well...I'm definitely a numbers girl ...it sure would be interesting to know the story behind 23!
Will give a listen here...
:)

Unknown said...

I very much so agree! There are numerous apartment developments where the speed limit posted is 7MPH. Really? 7?? It does seem to be a bit more effective though. Love the image.

chasity said...

great photo jamie....
and i love your interpretation of this unusual sign.

it has a great vintage feel to the photo.

i feel like i would be driving a 1940's chevy carryall going down this road
{one of my dream cars}

have a great night~
chas

Tammy Lee Bradley said...

Out of curiousity... I googled it. The concept of posting unusual speed limit signs of 18 mph, 23mph, etc. is to draw special attention to them because they are so unusual. If you saw
"30 mph" you'd probably hardly look at it. But these odd limits are designed to draw your attention to them and, more importantly, for you to slow down.

SO your thoughts are dead on.

Diana Joy said...

Neat photo and insight.

urban muser said...

that's funny. never thought about it. i love that tammy lee googled it! what did we do before the internet???

Nicole said...

Nice pic. I like the effects you put on it! I don't, however, like Ryan Adams, even if he is married to that cute Mandy Moore. :)

mosey (kim) said...

Great photo. Although I'd totally be a 25mph since I don't like to stand out from the crowd. My daughter however would definitely be a 23mph.
:)

R Montalban said...

That is slow and odd and yep makes you ask why??? The song is beautiful and sad and makes you feel thought provoked.

krissilugbill said...

love this shot! so true, the difference is what caught your eye. Great concept and wonderful capture, very worth backtracking for :)

Justine said...

what a great find! it's amazing what you find with a camera in hand.

Natalie said...

That is so awesome..not only would I have too taken the photo of the 'out of the ordinary' speed limit sign but I LOVE how you mentioned that standing out from the crowd is what we need to be noticed...that is very true. I am still learning to march to the beat of my own drum, heck I'm still learning the beat but none the less I am learning!

~Kristina said...

the bizarreness of that sign had me staring at your picture for quite some time.

IVYALLOVER said...

love this shot! beautiful. I am drawn to signs and typography, its wonderful how they just catch your eye right? Thanks for sharing oh and great song ♥

Ann Marie said...

what a great sign! i love it.

your blog is so lovely.

Unknown said...

I read the title of the post and scanned the picture quickly to hop down to your text. When my mind realized the speed limit sign said 23 I was drawn back to the photo for a double take. The post title really hit home then.

Cindy said...

i love the sign and what a good eye you have for noticing it!

The Felix Family said...

I have to admit speed limit signs don't catch my attention quite like they should, but I think ones like this would. Maybe they have something here...

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