Highway safety officials are concerned about driver distractions.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued new guidelines on the use of clever highway signs. While not banning the use of humor or pop culture references, the agency recommends avoiding them “because it may confuse or distract drivers.” The guidance is contained in a 1,100-page manual that says the traffic safety messages ought to be “simple, direct, brief, legible, and clear.”
FHWA guidelines say, “State and local agencies are expected to use good judgment based on [Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices] longstanding principles for message signs that call for them to fulfill a need; command attention; convey a clear, simple message; command respect; and provide adequate time for proper response.”
State officials around the nation agree that digital message systems should give priority to traffic conditions. States have two years to adopt the guidelines.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Administrator Shailen Bhatt to be led by God as he heads the Federal Highway Administration.
- For Secretary Buttigieg to oversee the Transportation Department with discernment.
- For state transportation officials as they integrate the federal guidance into their digital messaging systems.
Sources: CBS News, MPR News, Los Angeles Times
