12/28/2009
Vandals causing sign damage on Idaho highways
SHOSHONE - A potentially dangerous pastime is increasing along state highways the past several months with numerous highway signs being vandalized by paintballs throughout south-central Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The paintball stains are not only costly to tax payers - who will pay the bill to replace thousands of dollars worth of signs in the area - but has the potential to create hazardous results. The paintballs damage the reflectivity of signs, which makes them easier to see at night. While the signs appear normal during daylight hours, the paint covers and destroys sign reflectivity.
"Among the misconceptions is paintballs are advertised as water-soluble," District Four Traffic Services Foreman Carl Horn said. "They will wash out of clothing with soap and hot water, but when left on a sign to dry the paint leaves spots on the sign. The residue cannot be removed without damaging the reflectivity of the sign."
More than 70 signs were recently replaced on two highways in Cassia County, the cost of which in materials and labor was more than $7,000. Not included in the damage report is the liability that exists because of the damage, including the risk of an accident if a motorist misses a sign at night due to the vandalism.
Highway signs are periodically inspected for reflectivity and replaced when no longer up to state standard. Signs that are vandalized with paint or other means cannot fulfill the 10-year design life and must be replaced prematurely.