"Iowa DOT Defies Federal Advice, Continues Using Humor and Pop Culture in Signs"

The Iowa DOT is rejecting a recommendation from the Federal Highway Administration to avoid using humor and pop culture references in highway signs, arguing that their decade-long use of these messages has not posed a safety threat. The DOT's special projects manager, Willy Sorenson, emphasizes that the messages are periodically updated to promote traffic safety and do not override immediate traffic warnings. While the FHA's recommendation is not a ban, the DOT plans to continue using these signs but may reconsider in the future pending further research.