What are the recommended advanced posting distances for Deaf Child Area signs?

The sign needs to be posted far enough ahead of the critical area assuming a driver has to stop. The Table 2C-4 from the NYS Supplement gives the advanced distance in the column labeled 0 (stopped). For a 55 mph, the advanced distance is 495 feet (assuming traffic is not speeding).

The Deaf Child sign is not in the Traffic Sign Handbook, or the National MUTCD, however it is in the MUTCD NYS Supplement under section 2C.113. Below is the critical text. More details on obtaining the MUTCD can be found on our website at the link below the text.

Section 2C.113 DEAF CHILD AREA and BLIND CHILD AREA Signs (NYW7, NYW7-7)

Option:
01The DEAF CHILD AREA (NYW7-6) and BLIND CHILD AREA (NYW7-7) signs (see Sign Drawing SD-W20) may be used where it is necessary to warn motorists to be especially alert for a child who may be unable to hear normal traffic sounds and respond to audio warnings, or a child who may be unable to perceive approaching traffic.

Guidance:
02The DEAF CHILD AREA and BLIND CHILD AREA signs should not be used without the consent of the child’s parents or legal guardian. The authority having jurisdiction over the highway on which these signs are placed should keep informed about the residences, areas of activity, and ages of the children involved, so that signs can be promptly removed when they are no longer needed.

See Table NY2C-4 or pg. 21 in the Traffic Sign Handbook.

Resources:

NYSLTAP-CLRP MUTCD Info (In the Safety Drop Down Tab)
https://cals.cornell.edu/nysltap-local-roads/publications-resources/resources-category

NYSLTAP-CLRP Traffic Sign Handbook
https://cornell.app.box.com/v/clrp-pb-tsh

October, 19'