We’ve all seen them. But why are they there? What purpose do theyserve? Why was the effort and forethought put forth to make it thisway? Who or what benefits from this situation? Is it purely habit andrepetition?

Of course I’m talking about the orange safety cones that are placedbehind utility vehicles. I understand they’re necessary when work isbeing done like when there’s an open manhole cover, or a truck isparked beside a power pole when it’s being service. What I’m confusedabout is why they feel the need to place an orange cone behind the rearbumper of the pickup truck when they park in the parking lot for lunchat the local Burger King! There’s clearly and obviously no work beingdone there -- it’s just a lunchtime stop. There’s nothing hangingprecariously out the back of the truck – it’s just a normal pickup witha toolbox mounted in the bed. That’s it. I’m out of ideas! Aren’t theyjust asking for trouble with a prankster stealing it? “Whoa, look, man.If I get three more of these and find a speed limit sign, I’ll havethat new dining room table I’ve been needing!” I wonder what the theftrate is on those cones. I’m sure it would be lower if they kept it inthe back of the pickup with the rest of their tools.