Hey, feds, stay in your lane!
New Jersey transportation officials put up funny and provocative electronic highway signs urging folks to slow down and stay sober — despite warnings from federal regulators that humor can distract drivers.
The Garden State Department of Transportation has been lighting up the lanes with more than 20 dad-joke-style road safety messages filled with summer-centric puns and pop culture references recently.
One sign near MetLife stadium in East Rutherford proclaims, “YOUR NECK, YOUR BACK … PROTECT THEM FROM IMPACT! BUCKLE UP!” — referencing Khia’s raunchy 2002 hip-hop banger “My Neck, My Back (Lick It).”
Another gives a nod to Journey’s classic rock anthem, flashing the phrase, “DON’T STOP BELIEVING. HOLD ON TO THAT STEERING WHEEL.”
Others direct motorists to buckle up and put down their phones.
“LET THE WAVES DO THE CRASHING. STAY ALERT!!” one reads, while others state, “HIT THE BEACH, NOT THE GUARD RAIL” and “BAYWATCH THE ROAD, NOT YOUR PHONE.”
The New Jersey DOT said it launched the seasonally themed electronic highway signs — which have included Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Super Bowl puns in the past — roughly two years ago in order to catch drivers’ eyes.
“Our goal is always to bring attention to safety and that’s what these signs are about. It’s about making sure people read them, remember them, and drive safely,” spokesman Stephen Schapiro said.
“The creative messages, which we began running in the fall of 2022, fit with our continued approach to reduce crashes and promote safer driving habits.”
But the DOT campaign means the joke’s on the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration — which earlier this year called “humorous and quirky” highway signs no laughing matter.
In January, the agency released new guidance strongly discouraging funny electronic highway signs, saying they could distract or confuse drivers. Instead, they urged local DOTs to write signs that are “simple, direct, brief, legible and clear” and avoid phrases with “secondary meanings.”
Two years ago, the same agency reportedly ordered New Jersey officials to stop putting up cute and funny message boards with safety warnings such as: “Hold onto your butts — help prevent forest fires” and “Get your head out of your apps.”
The federal regulators came down with the ban in November 2022, about a month after the Garden State started putting the missives up.
The New Jersey DOT didn’t immediately respond to an email Wednesday about whether it considered the feds’ warning before rolling out the summer safety campaign.
Other New Jersey highway signs read, “TEXTING AND DRIVING — A REAL BELLYFLOP” and “SURF’S UP! PHONES DOWN!” along with “THERE’S NO SUMMER VACATION IN JAIL. DON’T DRIVE HIGH!!”
Other states have also set up “funny” electronic signs to spread safety messages in recent months.
“Hands on the wheel, not your meal,” one groaner in Arizona proclaims.
“Visiting in-laws? Slow down, get there late,” one in Ohio quips.
