This is the symbol, can't recall ever seeing it myself and pretty sure I wouldn't have a clue what I meant.
Of course, that's one of the reasons I LOVE FR, I've learned something new today.
MKM
Posted on 05/29/2003 9:25:15 PM PDT by bruinbirdman
Are the Amish carting hazardous waste?
A Penn State University study found that the vast majority of drivers do not recognize the slow-moving vehicle symbol affixed to most Amish buggies. Many of those surveyed mistook the bright orange triangle for a yield sign or even a biohazard warning.
The slow-moving vehicle sign has been in use for more than 40 years and is required by 41 states.
Philip M. Garvey, a research associate at Penn State's Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, said that in a survey of 106 people, fewer than 30 percent correctly identified the symbol.
"We were surprised," Garvey said. "We live in a rural community, and people should be familiar with seeing this."
The findings could influence a legal battle going on in Pennsylvania between an ultraconservative Amish sect and state transportation officials.
Members of the Swartzentruber sect insist on putting reflective tape on the backs of their buggies, contending the gaudy triangle violates the religious beliefs of the plain-dressing Amish.
"His findings do corroborate various points that we made to both courts, mainly that the emblem is not the gold standard, and that in some respects the Swartzentrubers' alternative is superior in ... framing the back of the buggy," said Donna Doblick, an attorney whose firm is representing the Swartzentruber group.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
This is what I call low level research.
Puh-lease...
If you were to show me the symbol on its own, there is a chance I would mistake it for a yield symbol too, but if I see it on the back of a tractor, or at night floating out in free-space, I damn well will know not to run into it!
This is the symbol, can't recall ever seeing it myself and pretty sure I wouldn't have a clue what I meant.
Of course, that's one of the reasons I LOVE FR, I've learned something new today.
MKM
And the same thing would be true of disembodied rectangle of reflective tape outlining the back of a buggy or wagon, would it not?
That said I think the ultra consevative Amish position is a little silly too. Do they only buy chesnut or black horses, or a paliminos allowed? The key would seem to be the function and the technology level, which is the same for the sign and the tape, neither are decorative, although both are 20th century tech, not 18th.
Paliminos are allowed but have to be painted all black.
MKM
Don't get out in the "country" much do you. These things are required nationwide on all farm vehicles, and any other vehicles not able to go very fast, but which need to be used on public roads. Usually the equipment itself is being moved, rather than as in the Amish Case, being used to transport people or things.
But only w/ horse-drawn plows. It's the Mennonites you really have to worry about - they'll use tractors, the heathens! ;>)
I live in the city now and prefer to stay within 10 minutes of a mall at all times, therefore my ignorance abounds : )
MKM
Interstates, toll roads and other limited access roads don't count. Best places to see them are gravel, rock, calichi or just plain old dirt roads, but then can be seen on paved farm roads, and even occasionally on non limited access highways. They are very difficult to spot from 30,000 feet , but you might spy one on the back of some equipment that is being transported by tractor trailer on the "high speed" roads.
It's been almost 20 years since I moved away from MI and don't remember seeing it since.
MKM
Backsliders! Although I have seen amish using tractors, but they were horse drawn.
How about, "Now, go and do the right thing". :)
Looks like an Alcoa Aluminum symbol, but red. If I'm drinking, I'm thinking someone's run out of foil so I'll just drive by and toss a jar of Grey Poupon at 'em.
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