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(FHWA) Research Review of Potential Safety Effects of Electronic <br />Billboards on Driver Attention and Distraction, Sept. 11, 2001, and The <br />Role of Driver Inattention in Crashes: New Statistics from 1995� the <br />University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, <br />Distractions in Everyday Driving, May 2003 and The Role of Driver <br />Distraction in Traffic Crashes, May 2001: the Wisconsin Department of <br />Transportation Synthesis Report of Electronic Billboards and 1-ligh3yay <br />Safety, June 10 2003• the Municipal Research and Services Center of <br />Washington Sign Control Provisions, Jan. 2006; the Veridan Group, <br />Video Signs in Seattle, Gerald Wachtel, May 2001, reveal that electronic <br />signs are highly distracting to drivers and that driver distraction continues <br />to be a s4mificant underlying cause of traffic accidents. <br />(B) Findings The City of Lake Elmo hereby finds that regulation of the construction <br />type location size and maintenance of signs is necessary to accomplish the <br />above referenced objectives, because: <br />(1) The presence of permanent and temporary signage affects the rural image <br />of the Citv of Lake Elmo; <br />(2) Properly regulated signage can create an atmosphere of prosperity, <br />stimulate commercial activity, and consequently, lead to increased <br />employment and a healthier tax base; <br />(3) The safety of motorists cyclists, and pedestrians can be threatened by <br />signage that interferes with necessary sight -distances and/or unduly diverts <br />the attention of such persons. <br />(4) Signs that are too bright overly illuminated flash blink scroll, twirl, <br />change messages or color, or imitate movement, including video displays. <br />can distract drivers cyclists and pedestrians and impact traffic safety. <br />WA <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />