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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

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Roxy Eastland
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not a scary sign I "don't want to be near" - that's a fantastic sign that we're all glad to see

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#3

Oh...ok I Understand

Oh...ok I Understand

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JoyfulZebra
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Glad to know zoos make sure their animals are taken care of!

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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.

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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.

#7

Trailhead In Tennessee

Trailhead In Tennessee

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MellonCollie
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, this is a great sign. I have encountered a few similar sign in Australia, and I find them rather helpful.

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#8

Don’t Do Meth

Don’t Do Meth

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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."

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"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".

#11

Percy Preist Lake In Nashville, Tn

Percy Preist Lake In Nashville, Tn

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Jayne Kyra
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

See? They drowned even if they wore lifejackets! Why should people wear masks/seatbelts/get vaccinated/wear protective gear/etc when you can still die!? /sarcasm, if that was not obvious

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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.

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#15

Straight To The Point, Don't Become Soup

Straight To The Point, Don't Become Soup

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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”

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Rabbit Carrot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And they still built below that point. I was watching a Geographics video and most of the people who died in the 2011 tsunami were in buildings situated below the tsunami warning points.

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#17

Fight Back

Fight Back

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#18

Road Sign I Found In Texas

Road Sign I Found In Texas

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Rabbit Carrot
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of the time a colleague stopped for a hitchhiker. A couple of miles down the road she accidentally ran over something (squirrel I think). Hitchhiker went to have a look. While he was out of the car she decided to have a look in his bag as she felt uneasy. He had a knife and rope in there. She yeeted out of there so fast. She was traumatised for a long time afterwards. But what a lucky escape.

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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.

#21

At A Nearby Wolf Sanctuary

At A Nearby Wolf Sanctuary

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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.

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.

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#23

Just Another Day In Alaska

Just Another Day In Alaska

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Rabbit Carrot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just think if people closed their bins properly and didn’t litter (or encroach on bears habitats) then they wouldn’t come looking for food in houses / public spaces.

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#24

"The Drowning Machine"

"The Drowning Machine"

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#25

Uh Oh. Keep Out Of The Danger Noodle Room

Uh Oh. Keep Out Of The Danger Noodle Room

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#27

Bush Fire Rating Signs All Over Australia

Bush Fire Rating Signs All Over Australia

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#31

The School Lockdown Song

The School Lockdown Song

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Yayheterogeneity
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worst sign ever. Nothing like a funny shooters song 🙈 for the little ones. Awful.

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#32

How Fast Is It Going To Move?

How Fast Is It Going To Move?

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#33

This Got Dark Real Quick

This Got Dark Real Quick

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Roxy Eastland
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Common all around the UK for a while. Now, probably prompted by research findings, we have signs written by children, with childish drawings, that say 'Twenty is Plenty'.

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#35

You Get The Gist, Even Without A Word Of Swedish

You Get The Gist, Even Without A Word Of Swedish

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#38

At My Apartment Complex

At My Apartment Complex

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#40

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

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

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Roxy Eastland
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had the misfortune when I was young to have a brief conversation with a white "Rhodesian" (young man) and yes, attitudes really were that vile.

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#43

Careful When Skiing

Careful When Skiing

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Vorknkx
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We've had many cases like this in my coiuntry. Reckless young skiers who thought it wouldn't happen to them... until it did.

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#45

Slowly Puts Shovel Back In Trunk

Slowly Puts Shovel Back In Trunk

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#46

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

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

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Chinmayee Kalghatgi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Water somehow always enters my nose while swimming. I’d avoid this pool no matter what

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#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!

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Rabbit Carrot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah but how did it break? Accidental damage or was the lion testing the fence like a Dino in Jurassic Park. If those lions are looking to escape we need to know!

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#48

Cute Cartoons Don’t Make Creepy Messages Better

Cute Cartoons Don’t Make Creepy Messages Better

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#49

“Holy Water Removed Temporarily”

“Holy Water Removed Temporarily”

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Turt_Le
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pre covid I'd seen a few fonts with definite film and grime floating on top. Not touching that. Also always disliked the communal wine ritual, that ceremonial napkin wipe between parishioners isn't doing anything. Not touching that. Then shake hands with strangers who may have sticky/sweaty hands. Not touching that. Was much easier to avoid all that by not going to church anymore. I was socially distancing before it was cool

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Donkey boi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's almost like the church is saying that God WON'T give you all the protection you need and that maybe, just maybe, you need to wear a mask, maintain a social distance and get vaccinated.

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Anna M. G. Novák Vanclová
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, that is exactly what every normal church is saying. The loud and insane american evangelicals and "prosperity gospel" heretics are not representative of "church".

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Lizzie Smith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's just a sensible precaution. Lots of people dipping their hands in the water leads to cross infection. Holy water is no more immune to viruses than anything else.

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Vicky Z
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes i actually find that more honest than telling to people to go to church and expose to the virus! The virus is everywhere and unfortunately in my country the church is responsible for many outbreaks

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Libstak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So it burns vampires but is ineffective against covid, got it.

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Micah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So you're saying by the transitive property, that vampires are susceptible to Covid-19? We have a new game plan.

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Ray Martin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Works against demons and vampires, but not bacteria and viruses... or anything else proven to exist, beyond thirst.

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Lothar Ohr
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of Kung fu Panda : "Something is special when you believe it is special"

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Lambchop
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly. If you believe in something, all the evidence in the world isn't going to change your mind.

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MonsterMum
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Surely if the holy water spreads disease it must be God's will?

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Not Moose
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1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Mokayokok
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a gross concept even without Covid-19 - ppl buy into the weirdest s**t.

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v
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty much puts the lie to all religious "miracle" claims.

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Jill Hojnacki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just what are they doing with that holy water? That’s not how this works; any of it.

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Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, there goes my belief in the incorruptibility of anything consecrated...

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CatAlien
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When holy water just spreads diseases instead of stopping them.

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Hedgeh og
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't for a second believe in "holy water" but you're also showing that you don't know what the word "holy" means.

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jevais
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please explain how holy water could be dangerous as it's supposed to be HOLY? Personally I don't drink in any cup/Glass that has been drunk in and same for food. I'm so thrilled that shaking hands has stopped due Covid, I hate shaking hands. In fact this costume has no reason to exist, much rather like the way Asian people salute each other with out touching one an other.

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Birma Gustafsson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought holy water would be extremely antiseptic, protected by a god none the less! Unless it's all a hoax.

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Andy Hinds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just goes to show what a scam religion is. "God creates", apparently.

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shado
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yet again still more proof that religion is just a drag show - if there really was a god it wouldn't be playing hind-n-seek in the cloisters of the church, there wouldn't be ANY doubt or confused versions of 'the' word as he-she-shim would have well let us know what was wanted in the first place

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Stéphane Lussier Johnson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've read everywhere about holy water having traces of feces. I can't help but wonder.... Do people scratch their asses before dipping their fingers into the stoup?

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Horatio Valentine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sooooooo you are saying it isn't really magic water and the whole thing is a scam??

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Riley Quinn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Previously, the viruses being spread via communal sharing merely made you feel like c**p, whereas this one will kill you.

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Family Hex
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha! Oh my Ra! This completely invalidates dog! This has got to be one of the best things I have ever seen.

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Shelby Jackson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to St Patrick's Cathedral in NYC and even though I read the sign saying there was no water I instinctively dipped the tips of my finger into the bowl. My kids looked at me like "what are you doing?" Lol

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J. B.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, but holy viruses that will grant you special access to heaven (maybe with a certificate and a lollipop if you are lucky)

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iblowsheep
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it is blessed, then surely it is not any risk, except to the heathen non-believers right?

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#50

Saw This Walking Through My University After Hours

Saw This Walking Through My University After Hours

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