Signs that We've Lost Our Common Sense?

"Signs, signs, everywhere is signs "bleeping" up the scenery, breaking my mind, do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs," Five Man Electrical Band, 1971 and Tesla, 1990.

On my way to Zion National Park and a stay at one of my favorite off the grid cabins, I encounter a perplexing series of road signs. The sequence begins with a sign that states "Dip in Road One Mile," which is followed by another sign indicating "Dip in Road 1/2 Mile." As if that weren't enough, shortly thereafter, I am met with yet another warning: "Dip in Road 100 Feet." Finally, just as one might expect, the last sign simply reads "Dip in Road." This entire array of warnings is conspicuously placed on both sides of the road leading up to the dip, creating a rather cluttered and chaotic visual experience for anyone navigating this otherwise stunning stretch of roadway.

One cannot help but wonder about the thought process behind such an extensive warning system. Did it not occur to anyone involved in the planning or maintenance of this road to simply address the underlying issue by repairing the dip itself? The repeated signage not only seems excessive but also raises questions about efficiency and practicality. Instead of investing time and resources into erecting multiple signs, it would arguably be far more beneficial to allocate those same resources toward fixing the actual problem: the dip in the road.

In today's world, the barrage of signs—be it road signs, advertisements, or regulations—can make us as distracted as a driver glancing at a phone while driving. The visual clutter from these signs poses a danger comparable to any hazard someone has deemed necessary for us to avoid.

Slowing down for turtles crossing the road or eagles landing on the highway, of course I'm in favor. But, I am a bit curious as to how many times eagles have to land somewhere before a sign goes up. One would think eagles land on many roads. And, do we really need to be told that wild animals are dangerous?

The constant "do this" or "don't do that" shows how much we depend on outside cues to guide us. It makes you wonder: are we really lacking common sense, or are we just drowning in too much info that messes with our ability to think and decide on our own?

Plus, having all these signs around can really take away from the natural beauty of the scenery. Instead of soaking in the gorgeous views, drivers are hit with a flood of warnings that mess up the visual vibe of the place.

Even though signs are meant to keep drivers safe, the way they're done makes you wonder about their practicality and common sense. It's worth thinking about how signs affect our ability to think for ourselves and make smart choices.

What do you think? Which are helpful vs. should be common sense?

Do we really need to be told that cliff's are potentially dangerous?

This sign at a rest area in Arizona put me on alert!

Seems obvious to me, but maybe a bison seems cuddly to some?

These signs were posted all over this particular resort. I definitely thought twice about the PBJ in my backpack!