Larry is traveling westbound while Ann is approaching the same intersection northbound.  Larry observes the stop sign and then proceeds after seeing no opposing traffic.  Ann collides with Larry and he sustains serious injuries.

Larry sues your theatre organization and after eighteen tense months he is awarded  $437,000. in damages along with almost $175,000 in legal costs.

Your theatre is located almost a mile from the intersection.  Neither Ann or Larry are members of your group.

How, then, did your insurance company end up paying such a large settlement?

Over the last three to five years, many AACT insurance participants have experienced no increases in their annual insurance premium.

While there are a number of reasons for this unusual situation, a particularly significant explanation has to do with our overall efforts to maintain the safety of the AACT-endorsed theatre insurance program.

· Inspections are required every three years.  Such inspections help us identify potential safety deficiencies that can be corrected before an accident occurs.

· Venues used by insured groups are supposed to have panic hardware on exit doors, lighted exit signs and battery operated emergency lights in case of power failure.

· In 1997, I wrote a three-part series to help promote greater life and property safety in community theatres.  [See Cents & Common Sense on our website <www.theatreinsurance.com>]

· Last month’s article [Crimes of Opportunity] discussed ways in which theatre groups can reduce property thefts.
 

With all these safety features in place, how then did Larry successfully sue your theatre group for an accident that involved none of your members and took place a mile from your theatre?

You overlooked that temporary sign you placed on the vacant southeast corner of the intersection.  It obscured Larry’s view thereby contributing significantly to the cause of his injuries.

I have been involved with my local theatre group for twenty five years.  I know resources are limited.  I certainly appreciate the importance of free publicity.  I  understand that erecting off premises signs can be one of the most effective freebies available to community theatres trying to publicize their activities.

In putting up off premises signs, however, there are a couple of
guidelines you should follow in order to avoid potential hazards.

>  Most communities have formal sign ordinances.  You should make sure that you adhere to whatever location, type and size specifications these laws require.  Check with your local government to insure compliance.

>  In the absence of legal requirements, signs should be set back at least 10 feet from the roadway in order to maintain about 250 feet of sight distance for drivers approaching or stopped at a stop sign.

Break a leg is supposed  to be a time-honored toast to your success; not the result of someone's unintentional negligence.  Beware od that blind spot.
 

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