Providence DPW Road Sign Installation Reduces Motorist Visibility By Exactly One Road Sign

PROVIDENCE, RI – A study by the Rhode Island Institute of Public Safety (RIIPS) has determined that a sign installed by the Providence Department of Public Works (DPW) to warn of low visibility at a problem intersection has, in fact, reduced overall motorist visibility by precisely the dimension of one standard road sign.

"Our findings are unequivocal," stated Dr. Lakshmi Pinkney, lead researcher and Professor of Urban Epistemology at RIIPS, presenting the data. "Prior to the sign's installation, drivers approaching from the east had limited visibility, albeit some awareness of oncoming traffic.

"Now, drivers have a direct view of a large yellow diamond-shaped sign, but a much more limited view of any oncoming vehicles."

Gregory Brown, a spokesperson for the Providence DPW, acknowledged the study with a measured response. "Our intention was, and remains, to enhance safety... We stand by the decision to place a warning sign where limited sight distance exists... Indeed, the sign clearly states 'Limited Sight Distance.'

"If drivers are now experiencing additional limited sight distance due to the sign, it merely underscores the original problem... We believe this reinforces our message of safety, rather than detracting from it."

When pressed on whether the sign exacerbates the situation for drivers on an already dangerous stretch of road, Brown paused. "It seems to me that perhaps a smaller sign, adjacent to the larger sign, warning of the slightly larger sign, is the logical next step."

"We are committed to continuous improvement."

Local resident, Sandra Womack, 67, who has lived near the intersection in Providence for decades, offered a more visceral assessment upon hearing Brown's plan.

"What the actual fuck... Before, I had trouble seeing vehicles approaching, so now they put up a sign, and now I really can't see because there's a sign in the way," Womack said, narrowly avoiding a collision with a speeding Amazon delivery vehicle.

"All I can say is I hope there's greater visibility in the afterlife."