The U.S. has been embroiled in a decades-long debate over the best font for highway signs, oscillating between Highway Gothic and Clearview. Highway Gothic, adopted in 1948, faced readability issues with reflective signs, leading to the creation of Clearview in 2004. Despite initial approval, Clearview's endorsement was rescinded in 2016 but reinstated in 2018, resulting in a mix of both fonts on U.S. roadways today.
The U.S. has seen a decades-long debate over the best font for highway signs, oscillating between Highway Gothic and Clearview. Initially adopted in 1948, Highway Gothic faced readability issues with reflective signs, leading to the creation of Clearview in 2004. Despite initial approval, Clearview's endorsement was rescinded in 2016 but reinstated in 2018, resulting in a mix of both fonts on U.S. highways today.
The Iowa DOT is defying a recommendation from the Federal Highway Administration to refrain from using humorous and pop culture references in highway signs, arguing that their decade-long use of such messages has not posed a safety threat. The Federal Highway Administration's updated manual strongly advises against obscure or funny messages on electronic signs, emphasizing the importance of clear and direct communication for conveying critical information to drivers. Despite the recommendation, the Iowa DOT plans to maintain the signs for now, subject to potential reconsideration pending further research.
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.
The Federal Highway Administration is phasing out punny and pop-culture references on electronic safety billboards on highways, deeming them inappropriate for conveying road updates and seasonal safety reminders. Some states are known for using regional references and puns to capture drivers' attention, but the new guidelines will require a shift away from such messaging within the next two years, disappointing some. While some find the signs distracting, others argue for their effectiveness, and some states hold contests for residents to submit ideas for traffic safety messages.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration is urging states to stop using humorous messages on highway signs by 2026, citing potential driver distraction, but the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) insists it's already following the rules and will continue to convey fun messages related to highway safety. MoDOT will make small tweaks to comply with the new guidelines, but will still incorporate humor into its messages, despite some pushback from state representatives.
The Federal Highway Administration released new guidance urging state transportation departments to avoid using humor and pop culture references on traffic-safety signs that may confuse or distract drivers, but clarified that the manual does not ban such elements entirely. Some state departments, like Arizona's, have expressed disappointment with the guidelines, while others, such as Colorado's, believe that well-written messages can achieve both clarity and humor. Research on the effectiveness of humorous traffic-safety signs is mixed, with some studies suggesting that they command more attention from drivers, while others argue for simplicity and universality in messaging.
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.
Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton and Republican Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. penned a letter to the Federal Highway Administration expressing concerns about a new traffic safety rule that restricts humorous or pop culture-related messages on road signs, citing "unnecessary federal overreach." They argue that state departments of transportation should have the flexibility to tailor messaging for their residents and request clarification on the reasoning behind the decision.
The Federal Highway Administration has mandated states to remove humorous electronic highway signs within two years, citing concerns about driver distraction. While these signs were intended to convey safety messages in a more engaging manner, the administration now requires states to limit references to pop culture and ensure that messages are widely understood. Some states have already discontinued the use of funny messages, while others are adjusting to the new guidelines.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has issued a new rule banning funny and quirky messages on highways and freeways across the country by 2026, citing concerns about potential misunderstandings and distractions for drivers. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reviewing the new guidance, which includes a shift towards more traditional safety messages. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has prioritized safety and uses Dynamic Message Signs to warn drivers of crashes, weather, and delays.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has issued a new manual banning humorous and quirky messages on electronic highway signs, citing potential misunderstandings and distractions for drivers. States have two years to implement the changes, which aim to prioritize simple, direct, and important information such as warnings for crashes, adverse weather, and traffic delays. This decision will phase out popular funny messages seen on signs in various states, sparking debate over federal government intervention and the role of humor in promoting safe driving.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has mandated the removal of humorous and quirky messages from electronic highway signs by 2026, citing potential driver distraction and misunderstanding. States have been given two years to comply with the new regulations, which emphasize the use of signs for important information such as warnings about crashes, adverse weather, and traffic delays. This decision will impact popular and humorous messages displayed on electronic signs in various states, sparking debate over federal government intervention and the role of humor in promoting safe driving.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has mandated a ban on humorous and quirky electronic messages on highways by 2026, citing potential misunderstandings and distractions for drivers. States have been given two years to implement the changes outlined in a new 1,100-page manual, with the focus on using signs for important information such as warnings about crashes, adverse weather, and traffic delays. This decision will impact popular and creative messages displayed on electronic signs in states like Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Arizona, where the use of humor has been embraced. Arizona, for example, has held a contest for the funniest messages for the past seven years, drawing thousands of entries. Some state officials are critical of the federal government's intervention, questioning the need for such regulation.
The Federal Highway Administration is cracking down on "humorous" digital signs on highways, advising road managers to prioritize simple, direct, and clear messaging for safety. Signs with pop culture references or intended humor are being targeted, with states given two years to comply. This crackdown follows the release of a new manual emphasizing the importance of clear and legible messaging for traffic safety.
