Federal authorities aren't laughing…
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is cracking down on “humorous” digital signs that are putting smiles on the faces of drivers across the country.
Highways in Ohio are asking drivers to “slow down” to reach their in-laws late, while roads in New Jersey are telling Halloween fans to “Hocus Pocus, concentrate and drive.” The days when people would give advice such as “Please do it” will soon be gone.
In December, FHWA releases latest manual It advises road managers across the country that their messages should be “simple, direct, concise, easy to read and clear”.
Do you think the above example applies?
FHWA says signs with “secondary meaning,” such as references to pop culture that are “intended to be humorous,” should be cut because they can “take more time to process and understand.” I am not recommending that there be any.
In Massachusetts, drivers can no longer be warned to use their turn signals, and in Arizona, among the many cheerful signs appearing along interstate highways, it is no longer possible to see “just a sign asking drivers to use their turn signals.” It disappears.
“FHWA believes that these are important considerations so as not to undermine respect for signs when using them in other traffic-related scenarios, such as regulations, warnings, and instructions under common circumstances. “,” the manual says.
“The safety of all road users is our top priority.” A spokesperson told Axios.. “Each state is expected to use appropriate judgment regarding when and how to use changeable message signs for traffic safety messages, as well as the specific wording of the messages.”
But don't be sad yet! The agency is giving state transportation agencies two years to pull off their best jokes for a win before the rule goes into full effect.
The crackdown is not the first time the government has become fed up with the state's bizarre signage.
New Jersey will be in the crosshairs of the FHWA in 2022, and the FHWA will issue warnings such as “Hold on to your butt – help prevent wildfires,” “Stay away from your apps,” and “We are speaking up. Signs such as “Masu” were immediately banned. . Please don't drive on the highway.'' etc.
“FHWA has directed us to cease posting these creative safety messages,” a New Jersey Department of Transportation spokesperson said at the time.
