Assessment of Sign Vandalism in the State of Texas (1467-1)

This report describes a research study which reviewed several sign vandalism countermeasures throughout the country and assessed the extent of sign vandalism in Texas. Countermeasures that were reviewed include hardware implementation measures and legal solutions to reduce sign vandalism and media campaign efforts that targeted specific age and interest groups. Two states and six municipalities were identified as having implemented a combination of these countermeasures. The extent of sign vandalism in Texas, which included determining locations and types of traffic control devices that were frequently vandalized, was assessed by a statewide survey distributed to Texas Department of Transportation personnel. A total of 229 persons responded to the survey. The report also describes the findings, recommendations, and implementation efforts associated with the review and assessment of sign vandalism issues. Recommendations include specific hardware and legal solutions that can be adopted and potential public awareness and media campaign efforts that can be implemented to reduce sign vandalism in Texas.