"Iowa DOT Stands Firm on Using Humor and Pop Culture in Signs Despite Federal Recommendation"
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.
