FHWA Ban on Sign Funny Business
FHWA, to ensure clear communication and avoid distractions, no longer permits funny over-head variable warning signs. States have a grace period through 2026. Signs now only warn about NECESSARY information on signs (Accident ahead, weather, delays - seatbelt and speeding and impaired driving notes allowed too). They should be “simple, direct, brief, legible, and clear”.
Why the ban?Signage can, of course, sometimes act as a distraction. Humor and pop-culture references can be confusing, not only for generations that the message may not be targeted to, but also those with cultural differences or language barriers. FHWA has additionally noted that these humorous signs "adversely reflect respect for the sign”.
Another concern we identified regards images. Where did the images of this signage come from? Drivers. Drivers with their phones out, occupying their hands and line of sight.
Why keep them? These (all, not simply humorous) signs have proven, per and FHWA study in 2016, 54% of drivers stated changing behaviors when seeing messages on roadway signs.
Repetitive messaging can eventually become more of a norm than a warning, as people get used to them.
ODOT Press secretary Matt Bruning stated, "it's funny when they'll quote off some that they remember. I mean, that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to get those safety messages through to people, things that we already know." The efforts are trying to make the messaging memorable, to make traffic safety fun.
What do you think?
Sources:
FHWA Guidance Document https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno-shs_2024-release-status/index.htm
FHWA 2016 Study https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop16048/exsum.htm
Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/electronic-highway-sign-ban-rules-cant-be-funny-interesting-2024
