The Federal Highway Administration is not amused.
The agency just released an 1,100-page manual on traffic control devices that includes the admonition to states to stop using jokey electronic billboard messaging and is giving state transportation departments two years to comply.
The feds say the messages are distracting for drivers, and they’re right.
The manual indicates that messages on electronic bulletin boards must be immediate need-to-know, informing drivers of lane closings for repair work, blockage from a crash or safety hazards caused by weather.
“Humorous messages might be misunderstood or understood only by a limited segment of road users,” the manual says about some rib-tickling department of transportation messages that are more suited for standup than driveby.
Ohio is one of many states displaying wit to convey a safety message. “Visiting In-laws? Slow down, get there late,” is an example of the Ohio bureaucrat-created message board humor.
What’s got the feds up in arms is messages such as the one that is popular in multiple states, “get your head out of your apps.”
It’s either causing drivers to whip out their cell phone to take pictures, or they’re staring at the board to understand the joke.
On top of that, it’s off-color and doesn’t belong in the public space.
The state-paid comics in transportation departments contend that safety messages like “click it or ticket” are ignored, while humorous ones are read and retained.
We don’t often say this, but when it comes to state-funded comedy message boards, the nanny state federal bureaucrats are right.
Traffic messaging is serious business.
