A recent decision from The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regarding witty digital road signs in New Jersey has left some wondering if Texas road signs could be next. A manual produced by the Federal Highway Administration claimed these witty messages could not be understood without certain cultural knowledge and appeared similar to advertising.
Witty digital messages have also been displayed in Texas over recent years by the Texas Department of Transportation, but state officials shared they have not been contacted about removing any signs.
A TxDOT spokesperson said in an email to NBC 5 that the department’s messages have important safety components, even if they are meant to be humorous.
“All safety messages displayed on TxDOT dynamic message signs (DMSs) contain a strong safety component, addressing topics such as impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belts, speeding, etc. The FHWA has not asked us to alter our messaging or to deactivate signs,” the spokesperson shared.
These Texas road signs often display holiday themes. Examples from Halloween and Thanksgiving include:
- “Hocus pocus, drive with focus.”
- “Lay off the witch’s brew, drive sober.”
- “Gobble gobble. Go easy on the throttle.”
- “Mash potatoes, not your head. Buckle up.”
The FHWA claimed that the witty New Jersey signs diminished their actual message. Some of the New Jersey signs included slogans like:
- “Nice car, did it come with a turn signal?”
- “Hold on to your butts. Help prevent forest fires.”
- “Get your head out of your apps.”
- “We’ll be blunt, don’t drive high.”
- “Don’t cruise when boozed.”
NBC 5 reported on November 18 that some drivers found the signs funny, while others felt they could pose a distraction.
The New Jersey Highway officials commented that the signs were meant to be attention-grabbing, even if they were also corny.
One driver who spoke with NBC 5 said, “They’re corny, but I’ve read them. The fact that I read them means they are effective.”
With witty signs safe in Texas, for now, the Texas Department of Transportation is also running its annual campaign to encourage safe driving during the holiday season.
The state-wide “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign was launched before the Thanksgiving holiday, NBC 5 reported. The campaign features billboards, radio ads, social media posts, TV PSAs, and more.
Events will also be held across the state during the campaign with video testimonials narrated by Texans sharing their own drunk driving stories.
Marc Williams, TxDOT’s executive director, shared that Texans have multiple options for getting home safely while drinking this holiday season.
“With everything going on in the world these past few years, we want everyone to be able to celebrate this joyous time of year without the tragic consequences of drinking and driving,” Williams told NBC 5. “Get together with family and friends and have a great time, but please find an alternative way home if you choose to drink. You have many options available.”
State officials ask Texans who drink to call friends or family members for a ride, use a ride-sharing service, stay where they are, or plan ahead with a designated sober driver.
