Designing Our Sign
There are several different types of duck signs available and we considered the pros and cons
of each design. We knew we wanted a sign with a mother and ducklings and we did find a few, but eventually
we decided to incorporate a combination of concepts from various signs to convey the following key
elements that were important to us:
1) A mother duck followed by ducklings.
The Woodlands is a very family oriented community and we felt the image of a "duck family" would
strike a chord...(even tug at the heart strings!)...of most of our residents, especially the children. Kids have a lot
of influence on their parents (...who are driving the cars) and an urgent, "Mommy! Stop for the ducks!" from the
back of a mini-van is sure to have the desired effect.
2) A "sense of motion" in the ducks.
It's precisely because ducks are moving across the road that creates a traffic hazard
and we wanted our sign to convey that motion. Our last little duck, struggling to catch up, also conveys a sense
of urgency on their part to get across the road safely.
3) The words: "Brake For Ducks".
Duck signs that say, "Duck Xing", identify a place in the road where ducks are likely to be found,
which is helpful as a warning. The expression "Duck Xing", however, doesn't give instruction on what to do...or what
is expected of a motorist; it is merely a noun.
In contrast, the expression "Brake For Ducks" is much more compelling. It is an imperative:
a command to act responsibly when encountering a duck in the road. We felt motorists would be more responsive
to a "command" on the sign and so, we chose this expression.
Your Community/Your Sign
Every community has its own individual needs as far as duck signs are concerned. Some are
urban park environments, while others may be rural and somewhat remote. Your community setting should dictate what kind
of sign you need.
For example, some communities that experience duck-traffic issues only on a seasonal basis (i.e.
fall migration or spring mating season) have used portable duck signs mounted on posts with a "tire-base" (like the posts
for supporting a volleyball net). At the duck-traffic road site, they wheel the sign out every morning and then, wheel
it back inside for the night. This requires some sort of facility near the duck crossing, like a gas station or bait
& tackle shop to be able to roll the signs in and out on a daily basis.
If your "duck-traffic" site is an urban park setting, you might design a duck sign with images
of ducks and silhouettes of office buildings. Your sign should fit your community image and pond setting. Be creative
and...have fun designing it!
1st "BRAKE FOR DUCKS" Sign
The Woodlands, TX
Cypress Lake -- Alden Bridge Village
May 28, 2008
