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When you think about it, the goal of a sign is pretty basic, isn’t it? We put them up to give us directions, send messages, and warn us about dangers lurking around the corner. But while sometimes they hilariously fail to fulfill their purpose by looking like the most random and absurd announcements ever created, others seem to carry a somewhat threatening aura.

We’re talking about signs that remind us the world is filled with unforeseen hazards that make us want to stop and quickly run the other way. So let us introduce you to the 'Scary Signs' subreddit. This online community with over 379K members has set out on a mission to share pictures of terrifying messages from all over the world "that you don't want to be near".

Some of them are scarier than the danger itself, others are so creepy we can’t help but wonder why they got put up there in the first place. Whatever the case may be, these warnings definitely catch one's attention. Bored Panda has collected some of the most frightening posts from the group, so continue scrolling to check them out for yourself, and let us know what you think about them in the comments!

#1

Scary-Sad, But Comforting To Know You Can Be Safe

Scary-Sad, But Comforting To Know You Can Be Safe

Alwyslistn Report

#2

Sign A The Vet

Sign A The Vet

GameasauresRex Report

#3

Oh...ok I Understand

Oh...ok I Understand

reddit.com Report

Since its creation in 2014, the 'Scary Signs' subreddit has amassed more than 379K members who are eager to share the daunting messages they come across in every corner of the world. Nearly every post consists of terrifying or confusing signs that warn us of potential hazards up ahead and uneasy consequences we will face if we refuse to obey.

While we're used to seeing safety signs and not batting an eye, people on this online community prove that some of them have a slightly threatening nature that everyone should take notice of. After all, most of us are hoping to avoid falling into "the drowning machine", getting attacked by aggressive geese, or encountering a venomous snake that's missing from its exhibit.

#4

Save The Bees

Save The Bees

nebula_dweller Report

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#5

More Than Sad Scary, But Still

More Than Sad Scary, But Still

swagfugu Report

#6

Beware Of Falling Deer

Beware Of Falling Deer

KickYourAss247 Report

Yet, there seem to be many factors that can make people disregard even the most frightening messages. Maybe you're an adrenaline junkie looking for new adventures every chance you get. Perhaps you think the sign is scarier than the danger itself. I mean, it's better to be safe than sorry, but who really wants to be told to watch out for falling deer? How often does that really happen?

Marc Green, Ph.D., is a human factor expert who has extensive experience in perception, attention, human factors, and related areas. According to him, warning signs often fail to change people's behavior. They can either go unnoticed or, more often than not, they are seen but ignored by the viewer. "For many years, designers focused their concern on sensory aspects of warnings: color, shape, location, pictures vs. text, size and so on. However, recent research suggests that effective warning design depends as much on the contents of the viewer's head as on the contents of the warning's message," he explained.

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#7

Trailhead In Tennessee

Trailhead In Tennessee

fieldysnuttz Report

#8

Don’t Do Meth

Don’t Do Meth

TrickyPistola Report

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#9

No Bees, No Oranges

No Bees, No Oranges

flamingred91 Report

You see, when people stumble upon alarming messages, they then have to make a decision whether or not to comply. But let's not forget that people who are the intended audience of these signs are not blank slates. They rather start with a thought process containing three components: "First, the viewer has general knowledge about the world and how it works. Second, s/he has a set of beliefs and expectations based on experience with the same or similar environment, product or technology."

"Lastly, the viewer enters the situation with a goal and strategy for achieving that goal," Green continued. "The goal can be specific ('I want to arrive at my destination as soon as possible') or more diffuse ('I want to feel good about myself')." So to create an effective warning sign, the designer must understand what the observer "brings to the table".

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#10

Umm

Umm

Tablealt Report

#11

Percy Preist Lake In Nashville, Tn

Percy Preist Lake In Nashville, Tn

aea27 Report

#12

Scary Geese

Scary Geese

marmot12 Report

As viewers, we’re aware that safety signs are placed there for our own benefit. Their purpose is to draw our attention to important information that might prevent us from doing harm to ourselves or the people around us. Unfortunately, sometimes they are less likely to be effective when they are placed in the wrong area or use vague messaging. This could lead to tragic accidents, so it’s always best to make sure the sign will be crystal clear to virtually anyone.

#13

A Disease Which Has No Cure

A Disease Which Has No Cure

ohyouarefunny Report

#14

Something About This Unsettles Me

Something About This Unsettles Me

ubahsquid Report

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#15

Straight To The Point, Don't Become Soup

Straight To The Point, Don't Become Soup

MrBoko1234 Report

However, even when signs are compelling and tick every box on the list, we humans have a tendency to overlook them. Green explained that when a warning tells us to refrain from behavior that would enable us to quickly achieve our goal, we then make a cost-benefit analysis. "In some cases, the viewer might lose the goal altogether ('No Smoking' signs), or exert more effort ('Detour' signs)," he mentioned some examples of the cost.

When it comes to benefits, they can be practical (like injury avoidance), and psychological. "A driver deciding whether to comply with a speed limit sign might calculate the costs of arriving later," he added. But one benefit of compliance is feeling safe and less anxious, like thinking "I won't be as likely to get in an accident," or "I won't have to spend time and effort looking for a radar trap." Other psychological advantages could be the sense of being "a good citizen" or "a team player," Green argued.

#16

19th Century Japanese Tsunami Warnings. This One Reads: “Remember The Calamity Of The Great Tsunamis. Do Not Build Any Homes Below This Point”

19th Century Japanese Tsunami Warnings. This One Reads: “Remember The Calamity Of The Great Tsunamis. Do Not Build Any Homes Below This Point”

FallenAngel1919 Report

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#17

Fight Back

Fight Back

Scrot123 Report

#18

Road Sign I Found In Texas

Road Sign I Found In Texas

reddit.com Report

Another factor that affects how we see the size of the benefits is the perception of danger, which has two elements — hazard and risk. The viewer of the warning sign must take them into account when making the calculation. "If the person believes that there is great danger, then s/he will see a larger benefit in compliance. Conversely, perception of small danger means low benefit and compliance will decrease," he explained.

#19

Sign At Lava Falls In Grand Canyon

Sign At Lava Falls In Grand Canyon

UriahPeabody Report

#20

You Will Die

You Will Die

mirandanielcz Report

#21

At A Nearby Wolf Sanctuary

At A Nearby Wolf Sanctuary

Gymnos84 Report

Lastly, our personal, social, and cultural backgrounds also affect our decision-making. Green explained that even when two people make the same cost-benefit analysis, they could go two different ways — one might ignore the sign while the other doesn't. "People accept different danger levels, have different attitudes about their ability to control danger and are differentially affected by social and cultural norms," the expert added.

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So for warning signs to be persuasive, designers should focus more on the psychological factor. Sure, the bright glaring colors and terrifying symbols catch our attention and might stop us from falling into dangerous threats, but harmony between human behavior and design would reduce accidents even further.

#22

Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo

BVB77 Report

#23

Just Another Day In Alaska

Just Another Day In Alaska

electronicthesarus Report

#24

"The Drowning Machine"

"The Drowning Machine"

RenderTheGame Report

#25

Uh Oh. Keep Out Of The Danger Noodle Room

Uh Oh. Keep Out Of The Danger Noodle Room

lilblondezombie Report

#26

This Slide

This Slide

iambored95 Report

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#27

Bush Fire Rating Signs All Over Australia

Bush Fire Rating Signs All Over Australia

OneKidneyStan Report

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#28

Yikes

Yikes

err_mate Report

#29

Trust Me, I Won't

Trust Me, I Won't

reddit.com Report

#30

Nope.

Nope.

unfamiliar-ceiling Report

#31

The School Lockdown Song

The School Lockdown Song

OG3XOG Report

#32

How Fast Is It Going To Move?

How Fast Is It Going To Move?

nate-2898 Report

#33

This Got Dark Real Quick

This Got Dark Real Quick

shadowclient Report

#34

Crocodile Enclosure At Sydney Aquarium

Crocodile Enclosure At Sydney Aquarium

ReginaldHardwick Report

#35

You Get The Gist, Even Without A Word Of Swedish

You Get The Gist, Even Without A Word Of Swedish

abaganoush Report

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#36

At Least They Give You A Choice.

At Least They Give You A Choice.

BurntReynolds347G Report

#37

Not Sure If This Counts

Not Sure If This Counts

EnormousOctopus Report

#38

At My Apartment Complex

At My Apartment Complex

protokitty Report

Add photo comments
POST
lenka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that this sign is necessary is alarming

Chich
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As we have learned in the past two years, there is a segment of society who do not give a rat's a*s for anyone but themselves.

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K Wit
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are bacteria test kits for pool water. If a pool has the bacteria E. coli it's been contaminated w fecal matter. There are other bacterias you can test for too. The stronger pool chemicals smell in a pool the more likely it's bc of urine. Shocking a pool w chlorine will not kill the bacteria right away. It may need two or three times which takes time. You need to wait at least three days between the shocks before swimming.

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dianadeluxe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine a person fully prepared to go swimming stops at the sign, turns around and leaves disappointed.

K Wit
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I own a swimming pool company. My husband will not even put his toe in a public pool bc he knows how gross they are even when they look clean.

Kusotare
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reason #1 I'm glad I have a backyard pool. It's MY $hit and only my $hit in there.

J. B.
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you know that the typical smell of pool water isn't due to the chlorine? It can only be smelled when chlorine is mixed with urine. That says a lot about hygiene in public pools!

Brie Sansotta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do you think the chlorine smell is so strong at public pools?

Alicia M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As if a person who had diarrhea a week ago would turn back after reading this.

TonyTee
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They didn't wanna turn it into a place to go mud-bathing

Heather Gallagher
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Tina Mercado
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How would you know, unless someone actually has the "accident" in the pool?

Janet Graham
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep, makes me wonder why this sign is necessary. Public pools are such a germ spa!

Marco Hub-Dub
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sign has become a liability alleviating effort for a while now. Most subsidized or Section 8 apartments in California put them up and you can even get them at Home Depot or Amazon. It’s sad people have to be told. It’s sadder that parents let their kids go to the pool in this condition.

Lisa Hewes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's an identical sign at the senior housing apartments my parents used to live at.

Lori Sandoval
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My complex had this sign up and my cousin laughed about it. Two weeks later she sent me a text of a similar sign on the community pool her family used. You know those signs pretty much go up AFTER there has been an incident.

ArodTheHorrible
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have to put it on a sign, will the sign make any difference?

Turt_Le
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen signs like this at pretty much every pool in Australia. Some public ones even have signs asking people to shower before entering... Are they not standard? 😳

Edurne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I laughed more than I should have at this one xD Sorry

CozyPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huh...this reminds me of a story Jack whitehall told...🤔

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#39

Yeah I Think I’ll Pass

Yeah I Think I’ll Pass

210z Report

#40

Apartheid-Era Sign Near Johannesburg, South Africa (1953)

Apartheid-Era Sign Near Johannesburg, South Africa (1953)

theradRussian3 Report

#41

Crossing A Swing Bridge In Nz

Crossing A Swing Bridge In Nz

dognosecold Report

#42

Think This Belongs Here!

Think This Belongs Here!

Madowa01 Report

#43

Careful When Skiing

Careful When Skiing

thetoastmonster Report

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#44

Heart Rate Increasing

Heart Rate Increasing

QasimTheDream Report

#45

Slowly Puts Shovel Back In Trunk

Slowly Puts Shovel Back In Trunk

sights_of_the_sun Report

#46

Ok, Let's Just Go To The Public Pool?

Ok, Let's Just Go To The Public Pool?

Indeeder66soums Report

#47

No Worries, 3 Layers Of Glass Still Remain To Protect You From The King Of The Jungle!

No Worries, 3 Layers Of Glass Still Remain To Protect You From The King Of The Jungle!

Tails_RulesTheWorld Report

#48

Cute Cartoons Don’t Make Creepy Messages Better

Cute Cartoons Don’t Make Creepy Messages Better

jakeairforce Report

#49

“Holy Water Removed Temporarily”

“Holy Water Removed Temporarily”

abaganoush Report

#50

Saw This Walking Through My University After Hours

Saw This Walking Through My University After Hours

ketchupcostsextra Report

Note: this post originally had 107 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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