SPRINGFIELD — Many old-time, Southern traditions have gone by the wayside.
One of those barely clinging to life in Springfield is “Quiet Death Zone” signs that, from time to time, can be found on the roadside. Hardly any of the signs — no more than a couple — are left in Bay County, according to Springfield officials. A testament to an era of compassion and close-knit community relations long since passed, the disappearance of the eerily worded markers is more a sign of the times than anything.
Death Zone signs are a rural tradition that has diminished over the years from several contributing factors. When someone would have a death in their family, city officials would come around and post the sign in their yard to alert others of a family bereaved. People would bring by food or, at least, slow down and lower their radio volume as a show of respect.
“It’s that good, Southern hospitality,” said retired Springfield Police Sgt. James Jolly, who is now a dispatcher in the agency. “It let people know the city and the police actually cared, and it bothers me we have gotten away from that community tradition.”
In some areas years ago the entire road in front of a grieving family’s home would be blocked off for a week as a show of compassion. But as populations increased, Death Zone signs took the place of that tradition.
Police are typically the ones responsible for the placement of the signs. Since Jolly started with Springfield Police in the early 1980s, the amount of the signs has dwindled down to only two, but even when he began in law enforcement, the signs were on the way out.
Several theories exist for officials as to why such a wholesome tradition — like police taking out the trash for an elderly or disabled resident and assisting in pharmacy trips — would disappear: including urban sprawl and an increasing desire for privacy.
One of the more realistic reasons the signs seem to get less use is that people do not know about them. Most police no longer take a proactive approach, to respect people’s privacy. The signs now only go out at the behest of the family. To have a sign placed, a resident should call City Hall.
“Back in the day, the mayor would put those signs out to let people know the city cared about their family,” Jolly said. “A lot of people just aren’t aware that is something the older generations would do.”
