New York State Snowmobile Trail Signing Handbook - 5

Trail Sign Placement
This section provides basic information on how
snowmobile signs should be placed and installed.
SIGN POSITIONING
A critical part of sign mounting is understanding
how a reflective sign works. A good analogy is to
think of signs as mirrors. To maximize nighttime visibility
of the sign, it must be placed at eye level and
perpendicular to the direction of travel on the trail.
This placement also ensures that the sign is visible
over a long period, so that the rider has a chance to
understand the message and to react accordingly.
This important concept is illustrated by Figures 2
and 3.
FIGURE 1 - Recommended Sign
Location Window
B) Signs placed at the rider's eye level reflect
back correctly, making them much easier to see.
Recommended Sign Location Window
FIGURE 3 - Sign Placement, Overhead
3.0 ft.
Groomed Trail Width
5.0 ft.
WRONG
2.0 ft.
WRONG
FIGURE 2 - Sign Placement, Side View
A) Signs placed too high do not reflect
headlight beams back to the rider.
RIGHT
A) Signs facing the trail do not reflect
headlights beams back to the rider.
Figure 1 defines an imaginary " window " for sign
location. Signs should be placed perpendicular to
trail within a 5 ft x 3 ft area that starts 3 ft from the
trail's edge and 2 ft above the trail. Signs placed
outside this window will not be seen as well. The
sign window should be to the right side of the
operator.
RIGHT
B) Signs placed perpendicular to the trail
reflect headlights back to rider correctly.
5

New York State Snowmobile Trail Signing Handbook

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