"Feds Ban Humor on Highway Signs for Safety Focus"
The Federal Highway Administration has issued new rules limiting the use of humorous and pop-culture references on electronic freeway signs, giving states two years to phase out signs with "obscure" meanings or references that could cause confusion for drivers. While safety messages have traditionally been serious, some states have used humor to make them more memorable, but the FHA now wants to limit references to pop culture and ensure that messages are widely understood. Despite the effectiveness of humorous signs in influencing driver behavior, the FHA emphasizes that the safety of all road users is the priority and supports the use of changeable message signs for traffic safety campaigns.