SIGNS FOR OVERPASSES
Some safety and practical suggestions for vigils 

During recent Saturday vigils on I-5 overpasses, law enforcement officials showed up and encouraged folks 
to move off the overpasses.  (In some cases it was optional whether the vigilers could stay or not.)They 
cited safety concerns and, in some instances, legal issues. This sparked lively discussion on the SNOW 
listserv. Mark Nagel of Everett compiled the following list of suggestions for overpass vigiling.

I was not been able to find any laws that prohibit our activities. This was confirmed by the folks up in 
Skagit through consultation with the Washington State Patrol up there.  There are, however, safety 
concerns that, if not adhered to, could result in a legal citation.  Please note that I am not an attorney, nor 
has one been consulted that I am aware of.

Here is a list of things that I (and others) have come up with that are believed should cover all legal and 
safety concerns (let me know if there are other issues/concerns that should be included):

1) Have at least two people present (at least four is better). All persons should understand these conduct 
issues.  (No minor should be present unless their parents/parental guardians have consented  [based on this 
info]).

2) Appoint someone within the immediate overpass group to be the point person for engaging in any 
conversation with law enforcement officials (choose a non-confrontational-type person). If confronted, 
make sure that you have another person in your group witness any conversation. BE NICE, and make sure 
that you get the officer's name and badge number, as well as any particular law which they cite. If the 
official demands that you leave, then be sure that everyone in the group is aware so that each individual can 
decide whether he/she wishes to leave or to stay and subject themselves to possible arrest (and fine). DO 
NOT SUBJECT MINORS TO CITATION OR ARREST.

3) Don't attach signs to railings or other permanent structures on or over the side of overpasses.

4) Don't hold signs/banners/objects OVER the side of the overpass  (contain within the pedestrian access 
area of the overpass). We want to avoid directly causing a safety hazard by dropping a sign onto cars. One 
option—tie the signs to a string around one's neck for backup.

5) Keep signs relatively steady (otherwise it's likely a blur to folks).

6) Hold signs firmly - if you can't, then get someone else to hold your sign. 

7) Do not obstruct any existing signs.

8) Do not obstruct pedestrian passage- look to utilize overpasses that have sidewalks that can safely 
accommodate the passage of pedestrians around vigilers without anyone having to step off the sidewalk 
(into traffic).

There's an argument that the rate of speed at which the motorists are traveling down the interstate 
constitutes a concern.  I'd venture that it's not so much the speed as the direction of focus that the driver is 
subjected to. Drivers are responsible for paying attention. Drivers can be distracted by billboards, antique 
automobiles on the road, pretty women/men in adjacent cars, trucks carrying interesting loads, unexpected 
objects lying in the traffic lanes, etc.  Drivers are responsible for paying attention.  Peace activists holding 
signs are just another kind of reality that drivers need to be responsible for coping with. Drivers traveling in 
a straight line are likely less distracted (as they glance forward and up) than they would be with vigilers off 
the side of the road or on a corner (which require the driver to look away from their main direction of 
travel; they are also more likely to be merging with other traffic.)