Feds Ask States to Drop Funny Roadside Sign Messages
Many states’ highway departments post funny messages on roadside signs that warn drivers to buckle up, slow down, or watch for emergency vehicles. Despite the fact that they’re entertaining and get the message across, the federal government isn’t in on the joke and has released new guidance on the signs, asking state agencies to cut out the funny business.
The feds say that funny signs can be distracting, though some note that drivers are more likely to notice and remember the signs when the message is memorable. Here in Maine, the messages pop up around major holidays and other times to warn drivers, with one around July 4 saying, “The only thing that should be lit is your fireworks.”
It’s understandable that the government would want to reduce confusion, and not everyone will get the sometimes-obscure pop culture messaging. That might sound ridiculous to those of us who religiously memorize lines from our favorite shows, but the references might not be so obvious to normal people.
Of course, some of the signs become a distraction on their own, as people sometimes stop to take pictures of particularly funny messages. That led some states to cut the comedy before the feds issued new guidance. Either way, we’ll miss the lighthearted signs and hope that they can make a return someday.
[Image: Maine DOT]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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Because communists have no sense of humor.
If a little humor helps get the point across I'm all for it, the feds should lighten up.
Also Ford: We have to scale back EV production.
Also Ford in the past: Let’s roll out Explorers that have bad build quality.
What about sign malfunctions changing the message. A bunch of years ago a blizzard warning said Lizzard Warning because the segment for the B was out! I thing the humor is a good thing - as was already pointed out it makes the message a lot more memorable...