Today's entry: I-93 and Logan Airport VMSes with nothing useful to display urge motorists to text message, specifically to vote for Xander Bogaerts for the American League All-Star team.
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 10, 2015, 12:27:52 AM
Today's entry: I-93 and Logan Airport VMSes with nothing useful to display urge motorists to text message, specifically to vote for Xander Bogaerts for the American League All-Star team.
#XFORASG
The bus display usage should probably be restricted to specific situations like on flyers/shuttles for the individual team going to a game there.
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
The buses here in Reno will often throw in a similar message on the display boards for UNR games, various holidays, and to promote transit events. Such messages constantly rotate with the standard destination signage. Such as:
"1 SOUTH VIRGINIA ST" > "1 MEADOWOOD MALL" > "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" > repeat
"7 NORTH VIRGINIA ST" > "7 STEAD" > "GO WOLF PACK!" > repeat
"9 MILL ST/KIETZKE LN" > "New Year's Eve FREE Safe RIDE / December 31, 6PM - 2AM" (smaller 2-line message) > repeat
Quote from: spooky on July 10, 2015, 07:32:54 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 10, 2015, 12:27:52 AM
Today's entry: I-93 and Logan Airport VMSes with nothing useful to display urge motorists to text message, specifically to vote for Xander Bogaerts for the American League All-Star team.
#XFORASG
Yeah, not another proud moment for the Commonwealth. Humorously, they put these up a day before the hashtag on twitter was counted as a vote, which is sad that MLB knows some people are too lazy to just vote on their page. Wondering how many people saw the sign and whipped out the phone right there to post it on twitter.
I know that portable VMS used for construction and special events are often hacked. They are generally password protected, however, the default password (typically "DOTS") is often never changed, and as a result, some prankster will hack them and make them display weird messages.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwac.450f.edgecastcdn.net%2F80450F%2Fclub937.com%2Ffiles%2F2011%2F08%2Fsorry-mario-thumb-520x390-300x224.jpg&hash=c480d3548b7bb3d174c578a6f92dec7ee28d3fee)
The one in Utah a few years back bashing alternative lifestyles was the most absurd I have ever seen. The message was totally wrong and the person it was referring to does not hate anyone.
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
I've seen that done in other cities too. I know buses in Montreal will often say "Go Habs!" during Canadiens games.
In Orlando the same will happen during those rare years when the Magic make the playoffs.
I cannot find a picture of this online: You might recall that amazing comeback by the 1992 Buffalo Bills against the Houston Oilers in the playoffs when the Bills were losing 32—3 but won the game. The following week the Bills played in Pittsburgh and I recall Sports Illustrated had a picture of a VMS on the approach to the Fort Pitt Tunnel that said "Attention Buffalo Fans/Entering Terrible Towel Zone/No Comebacks Allowed." (The Steelers lost, of course, as that was the period when the Bills went to four straight Super Bowls.)
Quote from: Pink Jazz on July 11, 2015, 03:37:12 PM
I know that portable VMS used for construction and special events are often hacked. They are generally password protected, however, the default password (typically "DOTS") is often never changed, and as a result, some prankster will hack them and make them display weird messages.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwac.450f.edgecastcdn.net%2F80450F%2Fclub937.com%2Ffiles%2F2011%2F08%2Fsorry-mario-thumb-520x390-300x224.jpg&hash=c480d3548b7bb3d174c578a6f92dec7ee28d3fee)
This happened in MI on SB I-75 a few years back. After the World Cup, "Viva Italia" appeared.
Quote from: Cjzani on July 11, 2015, 02:48:31 PM
Quote from: spooky on July 10, 2015, 07:32:54 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 10, 2015, 12:27:52 AM
Today's entry: I-93 and Logan Airport VMSes with nothing useful to display urge motorists to text message, specifically to vote for Xander Bogaerts for the American League All-Star team.
#XFORASG
Yeah, not another proud moment for the Commonwealth. Humorously, they put these up a day before the hashtag on twitter was counted as a vote, which is sad that MLB knows some people are too lazy to just vote on their page. Wondering how many people saw the sign and whipped out the phone right there to post it on twitter.
Not enough, apparently - Xander finished 4th out of 5 in the voting for the final spot. The ballot-stuffers in Kansas City successfully voted in Mike Moustakas.
Quote from: spooky on July 13, 2015, 07:18:43 AM
Not enough, apparently - Xander finished 4th out of 5 in the voting for the final spot. The ballot-stuffers in Kansas City successfully voted in Mike Moustakas.
It's not the first time. Kansas tried to influence voting as early as 1854, with the issue of whether slavery would be allowed or not (however, not in an illegal way).
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on July 11, 2015, 03:57:13 PM
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
I've seen that done in other cities too. I know buses in Montreal will often say "Go Habs!" during Canadiens games.
Don't those cycle with the destination signs? And if not, aren't they just a shuttle to/from the stadium?
Quote from: TEG24601 on July 13, 2015, 12:33:56 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on July 11, 2015, 03:57:13 PM
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
I've seen that done in other cities too. I know buses in Montreal will often say "Go Habs!" during Canadiens games.
Don't those cycle with the destination signs? And if not, aren't they just a shuttle to/from the stadium?
They cycle, but the problem is that they cycle while they're running between stops and at stops. They should be cycling on their non-stop segments (e.g. freeway segments or long stretches on Aurora and the bridges).
The downtown stadium shuttles don't leave the freeway until the last minute, and this coach was on a local route.
Quote from: Bruce on July 13, 2015, 04:34:18 PM
Quote from: TEG24601 on July 13, 2015, 12:33:56 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on July 11, 2015, 03:57:13 PM
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
I've seen that done in other cities too. I know buses in Montreal will often say "Go Habs!" during Canadiens games.
Don't those cycle with the destination signs? And if not, aren't they just a shuttle to/from the stadium?
They cycle, but the problem is that they cycle while they're running between stops and at stops. They should be cycling on their non-stop segments (e.g. freeway segments or long stretches on Aurora and the bridges).
The downtown stadium shuttles don't leave the freeway until the last minute, and this coach was on a local route.
Even if they do cycle, it still takes time away from the key messaging information about route and destination.
I'm a regular rider of the DC Metro and they have VMS signs at every station whose main purpose is to list the upcoming 3 trains and how much time you need to wait for them. (useful) They also may announce a major delay. (useful)
But at times they go through a litany of elevator outages (and in DC there are usually at least 20 stations with a broken elevator). This information is not generally useful to most people, first because they list every station (not just those on the line) and secondly, the information only really affects the physically handicapped. It takes so much time to go through the list, that you won't see the upcoming train information. The information about broken elevators should be limited to announcements on trains as they approach the affected station.
Quote from: mrsman on July 17, 2015, 05:52:31 AM
Quote from: Bruce on July 13, 2015, 04:34:18 PM
Quote from: TEG24601 on July 13, 2015, 12:33:56 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on July 11, 2015, 03:57:13 PM
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
I've seen that done in other cities too. I know buses in Montreal will often say "Go Habs!" during Canadiens games.
Don't those cycle with the destination signs? And if not, aren't they just a shuttle to/from the stadium?
They cycle, but the problem is that they cycle while they're running between stops and at stops. They should be cycling on their non-stop segments (e.g. freeway segments or long stretches on Aurora and the bridges).
The downtown stadium shuttles don't leave the freeway until the last minute, and this coach was on a local route.
Even if they do cycle, it still takes time away from the key messaging information about route and destination.
I'm a regular rider of the DC Metro and they have VMS signs at every station whose main purpose is to list the upcoming 3 trains and how much time you need to wait for them. (useful) They also may announce a major delay. (useful)
But at times they go through a litany of elevator outages (and in DC there are usually at least 20 stations with a broken elevator). This information is not generally useful to most people, first because they list every station (not just those on the line) and secondly, the information only really affects the physically handicapped. It takes so much time to go through the list, that you won't see the upcoming train information. The information about broken elevators should be limited to announcements on trains as they approach the affected station.
That sucks though for the physically handicapped that are ready to depart the train. If they had more notice - such as before the train picks them up - they could figure out their next best option, which isn't always the next stop on the line they are on.
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
(https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11378279_1644692175767286_1995080955_n.jpg)
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
I see the photo is dated 2014. I read an article earlier year on Seattle Transit Blog (though I can't locate it now) that they were killing the practice. The agency policy was to only use it on long freeway sections as suggested, or going to/from the base, but individual (albeit numerous) drivers were using the signs against policy.
The District of Columbia Department of Transportation frequently programs its DMS units on roads heading into D.C. to read this on weekends:
EVENTS DOWNTOWN
AVOID DELAY
USE METRO
Given the documented and chronic unreliability of the Washington Metrorail system, this is probably very bad advice. I think the ulterior motive is to get a few more people to ride the Metrorail system on the weekends (when capacity is usually available) to slightly reduce its operating deficits.
Even worse, I have seen that message up when most or all of the Metro system had all-weekend-long single tracking operations in effect, which limits headways to a terrible 20 to 30 minutes on most or all of the line.
The WV Turnpike, which is separately (and total mis- ) managed from the regular DOH, uses its VMS boards for sports, all the time. IMHO, this is dangerous, as people often slow way down when they see to board lit but cannot yet read it. They also (at toll payer expense) have a whole set of sports outfits for toll takers on gamedays.
Given that 80% of the traffic is out-of-state and that neither of the Div I colleges are anywhere near the road, it is kind of silly. And they even use it for Div II colleges and minor league baseball, which probably 95% of the locals could not tell you who was playing.
Observed an interesting CMS use on Interstate 95 (Route 128) coming home last night. They had set up a double left lane closure starting at Trapelo Road in Waltham and extending to Routes 4/225 in Lexington. About 1/3 of a mile south of 4/225, the newly installed overhead message board was displaying "Roadwork To Routes 4/225 Left Two Lanes Closed."
My first reaction was "Good to see an overhead CMS being used for a legitimate traffic purpose for a change" My second reaction was "Gee, it's kind of late to be telling drivers about the lane closure they'be been in for the past 5 miles, especially as it's about to end in less than half a mile."
I found this picture on a New Orleans Saints fan board and made this meme for it. Probably not that absurd since it is rather clever. From the Lake Ponchartrain Causeway.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/11576644645_c2491c19da_o.jpg)
I've seen VMSes in Houston giving directions to a gun show. Absurd or just pure Texas? :sombrero:
Both.
Try to decode this bus stop sign:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FLzArgBX.jpg&hash=5ab2f1b081ae961b78471c153e6a5b6adad4f793)
It's a sign for University Street Station, located under the intersection of 3rd Avenue and
University Street with an entrance to
Seneca Street.
King County Metro isn't doing itself any favors with its other signs for the tunnel stations, which include:
- "PINE ST/3,4,5T AV" for Westlake Station (located on Pine Street under 3rd, 4th and 5th avenues)
- "3AV/JAMES/YESL WY" for Pioneer Square Station (3rd Avenue & James Street/Yesler Way)
- "S JACKSON ST/5 AV" for International District/Chinatown Station (5th & Jackson)
The tunnel is also used by another agency, Sound Transit, who use the sensible approach of just using the station names ("WESTLAKE", "UNIVERSITY ST", etc.).
Not to mention that University Street is no where near the present University of Washington (which moved out of downtown in the 1880s), so there's always confused tourists at that station.
Quote from: jbnv on July 20, 2015, 08:20:48 PM
I've seen VMSes in Houston giving directions to a gun show. Absurd or just pure Texas? :sombrero:
Those two are not mutually exclusive...
The CMS on I-93 NB around Randolph displayed "BRIDGE OPENING PLANNED THURSDAY 5:15" last night. It did not bother to tell me what bridge.
Latest Not an absurd CMS message, but a pretty inaccurate one. Route 28 at the Reading/Stoneham line. "Road Work Begins - 5-25-15 Lane Merge Ahead." It's now July 23rd, and the roadway remains fully open.
During the Buffalo/Niagara Road Meet, when travelling south on I-190, the VMS prior to the Skyway said that it was closed when it definitely was not.
Since there are a lot of Patriots fans in RI, just before the Superbowl this year the VMS signs on I-95 read "GO THE EXTRA YAAD, DRIVE SOBAH".
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 17, 2015, 08:10:52 AM
Quote from: mrsman on July 17, 2015, 05:52:31 AM
Quote from: Bruce on July 13, 2015, 04:34:18 PM
Quote from: TEG24601 on July 13, 2015, 12:33:56 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on July 11, 2015, 03:57:13 PM
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
I've seen that done in other cities too. I know buses in Montreal will often say "Go Habs!" during Canadiens games.
Don't those cycle with the destination signs? And if not, aren't they just a shuttle to/from the stadium?
They cycle, but the problem is that they cycle while they're running between stops and at stops. They should be cycling on their non-stop segments (e.g. freeway segments or long stretches on Aurora and the bridges).
The downtown stadium shuttles don't leave the freeway until the last minute, and this coach was on a local route.
Even if they do cycle, it still takes time away from the key messaging information about route and destination.
I'm a regular rider of the DC Metro and they have VMS signs at every station whose main purpose is to list the upcoming 3 trains and how much time you need to wait for them. (useful) They also may announce a major delay. (useful)
But at times they go through a litany of elevator outages (and in DC there are usually at least 20 stations with a broken elevator). This information is not generally useful to most people, first because they list every station (not just those on the line) and secondly, the information only really affects the physically handicapped. It takes so much time to go through the list, that you won't see the upcoming train information. The information about broken elevators should be limited to announcements on trains as they approach the affected station.
That sucks though for the physically handicapped that are ready to depart the train. If they had more notice - such as before the train picks them up - they could figure out their next best option, which isn't always the next stop on the line they are on.
I'm not the only one who feels strongly about the elevator message on the VMS signs on the Metro (known as PIDs - passenger information displays).
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/27503/metros-inefficient-info-displays-worsen-crowding/
Quote from: Bruce on July 21, 2015, 05:31:41 PM
Try to decode this bus stop sign:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FLzArgBX.jpg&hash=5ab2f1b081ae961b78471c153e6a5b6adad4f793)
It's a sign for University Street Station, located under the intersection of 3rd Avenue and University Street with an entrance to Seneca Street.
King County Metro isn't doing itself any favors with its other signs for the tunnel stations, which include:
- "PINE ST/3,4,5T AV" for Westlake Station (located on Pine Street under 3rd, 4th and 5th avenues)
- "3AV/JAMES/YESL WY" for Pioneer Square Station (3rd Avenue & James Street/Yesler Way)
- "S JACKSON ST/5 AV" for International District/Chinatown Station (5th & Jackson)
The tunnel is also used by another agency, Sound Transit, who use the sensible approach of just using the station names ("WESTLAKE", "UNIVERSITY ST", etc.).
Not to mention that University Street is no where near the present University of Washington (which moved out of downtown in the 1880s), so there's always confused tourists at that station.
I agree with you Bruce, a station for Seattle's bus tunnel should be treated like a subway station, referred to by subway station name, not the intersection that is over the station.
And University Street is the only tunnel station (and only one of the few light rail stations) that is named after a street as opposed to a location. Since it may be confusing for those who are looking for the University, the station should probably be renamed after Benaroya Hall.
California has had some great ones. "Don't Text While Driving" - Nothing says "let's prevent distracted driving" by distracting motorists with another message.
Most recently: "Serious Drought, Help Save Water" and "Severe Drought, Limit Outdoor Watering"
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on August 18, 2015, 07:37:17 PM
California has had some great ones. "Don't Text While Driving" - Nothing says "let's prevent distracted driving" by distracting motorists with another message.
That and similar messages are pretty common. And glancing at an overhead sign is way different than looking down and watching what you're typing.
WEGMANS OPENING
SUN OCT 11TH
EXPECT DELAYS
seen on University Avenue in Westwood, in anticipation of Sunday's grand opening of a Wegmans grocery store at the University Station shopping center.
Quote from: spooky on October 08, 2015, 07:59:38 AM
WEGMANS OPENING
SUN OCT 11TH
EXPECT DELAYS
seen on University Avenue in Westwood, in anticipation of Sunday's grand opening of a Wegmans grocery store at the University Station shopping center.
I wouldn't call that absurd so much as I'd call it realistic. Every time a new Wegmans opens around here, the traffic snarls are hideous to the point where it bears mention on the radio traffic reports (though on at least one occasion, WTOP referred to heavy traffic "due to a new business opening" because Wegmans doesn't advertise on WTOP).
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 08, 2015, 08:21:07 AM
Quote from: spooky on October 08, 2015, 07:59:38 AM
WEGMANS OPENING
SUN OCT 11TH
EXPECT DELAYS
seen on University Avenue in Westwood, in anticipation of Sunday's grand opening of a Wegmans grocery store at the University Station shopping center.
I wouldn't call that absurd so much as I'd call it realistic. Every time a new Wegmans opens around here, the traffic snarls are hideous to the point where it bears mention on the radio traffic reports (though on at least one occasion, WTOP referred to heavy traffic "due to a new business opening" because Wegmans doesn't advertise on WTOP).
Agreed, but I didn't think it was necessary to create a new thread for "not absurd but realistic and yet somewhat amusing VMS messages".
Quote from: spooky on October 08, 2015, 08:26:16 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 08, 2015, 08:21:07 AM
Quote from: spooky on October 08, 2015, 07:59:38 AM
WEGMANS OPENING
SUN OCT 11TH
EXPECT DELAYS
seen on University Avenue in Westwood, in anticipation of Sunday's grand opening of a Wegmans grocery store at the University Station shopping center.
I wouldn't call that absurd so much as I'd call it realistic. Every time a new Wegmans opens around here, the traffic snarls are hideous to the point where it bears mention on the radio traffic reports (though on at least one occasion, WTOP referred to heavy traffic "due to a new business opening" because Wegmans doesn't advertise on WTOP).
Agreed, but I didn't think it was necessary to create a new thread for "not absurd but realistic and yet somewhat amusing VMS messages".
Good point. I replied before simply because I wasn't sure whether you felt it was an inappropriate use of a VMS.
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
The Jo and the KC Metro busses both do this too.
Quote from: spooky on October 08, 2015, 07:59:38 AM
WEGMANS OPENING
SUN OCT 11TH
EXPECT DELAYS
seen on University Avenue in Westwood, in anticipation of Sunday's grand opening of a Wegmans grocery store at the University Station shopping center.
What's unusual about this message is not the content (warning of possible backups), but the fact they named the supermarket in the message.
Quote from: roadman on October 08, 2015, 12:40:12 PM
Quote from: spooky on October 08, 2015, 07:59:38 AM
WEGMANS OPENING
SUN OCT 11TH
EXPECT DELAYS
seen on University Avenue in Westwood, in anticipation of Sunday's grand opening of a Wegmans grocery store at the University Station shopping center.
What's unusual about this message is not the content (warning of possible backups), but the fact they named the supermarket in the message.
Hmm, this is slightly amusing...
I could see a sign like this popping up on I-290 near Buffalo when Whole Foods opens, but I don't know. Are that many people in Boston that Wegmans-crazy? I never got into it, likely because I've been raised on Wegmans my entire life.
I think I mentioned this in some other thread, and I'm not sure they still do this, but I-295 VMSs in NJ would display travel times not just with mostly understandable route numbers (like NJ73), but "BEN" and "WALT" for the Ben Franklin Bridge and Walt Whitman Bridge respectively. I'm sure non-locals don't understand those. And these were just travel times with no mileage, so they were completely useless to those who couldn't decipher the destination.
For that matter, even places that spell out the destination, like the ones on NJ 55 and NJ 42 for travel times to I-295 and the Walt Whitman Bridge, without mileage, make me pause and try to calculate where I am in relation to those destinations. It doesn't help that there are at least 3 signs with identical destinations in different places.
Then there was one on I-287 North which showed travel times between two points ahead of you instead of from your current location, which I guess could be useful to go around if there was a traffic jam there, but isn't there a better way to do this? Maybe by putting the sign closer to the exit you could take to void the delay (or at least changing the sign to "Delays ahead / use exit XX for route YY"?
Quote from: Buffaboy on October 08, 2015, 01:21:25 PM
Quote from: roadman on October 08, 2015, 12:40:12 PM
Quote from: spooky on October 08, 2015, 07:59:38 AM
WEGMANS OPENING
SUN OCT 11TH
EXPECT DELAYS
seen on University Avenue in Westwood, in anticipation of Sunday's grand opening of a Wegmans grocery store at the University Station shopping center.
What's unusual about this message is not the content (warning of possible backups), but the fact they named the supermarket in the message.
Hmm, this is slightly amusing...
I could see a sign like this popping up on I-290 near Buffalo when Whole Foods opens, but I don't know. Are that many people in Boston that Wegmans-crazy? I never got into it, likely because I've been raised on Wegmans my entire life.
Folks in the Commonwealth love to be the first ones to get in on something that they think they've been missing out on from other parts of the country. I'm reminded of the lines of traffic that were generated by the first Sonic in the state, or the lines out the door at the since-closed Krispy Kreme locations.
Wegmans is definitely treating this like an event. Their advertising notes not only that they are opening Sunday, but that they are opening at 7 AM on Sunday. I know someone originally from Western NY that essentially tailgated the Wegmans opening in Northborough a few years back. Northborough was the first store in MA; I believe Westwood is the 4th.
When the Wegmans near our house (Alexandria, VA) opened in June at 7:00 AM on a Sunday, apparently there were over 1000 people already there waiting on line. (I say "apparently" because I made a point of not going in that direction that day!)
Quote from: bzakharin on October 08, 2015, 04:04:12 PM
I think I mentioned this in some other thread, and I'm not sure they still do this, but I-295 VMSs in NJ would display travel times not just with mostly understandable route numbers (like NJ73), but "BEN" and "WALT" for the Ben Franklin Bridge and Walt Whitman Bridge respectively. I'm sure non-locals don't understand those. And these were just travel times with no mileage, so they were completely useless to those who couldn't decipher the destination.
PennDOT occasionally uses "SFB" for the Scudder Falls Bridge - it's my daily commute, and it still took me a while to figure out what it meant.
Quote from: spooky on October 09, 2015, 07:53:48 AM
Quote from: Buffaboy on October 08, 2015, 01:21:25 PM
Quote from: roadman on October 08, 2015, 12:40:12 PM
Quote from: spooky on October 08, 2015, 07:59:38 AM
WEGMANS OPENING
SUN OCT 11TH
EXPECT DELAYS
seen on University Avenue in Westwood, in anticipation of Sunday's grand opening of a Wegmans grocery store at the University Station shopping center.
What's unusual about this message is not the content (warning of possible backups), but the fact they named the supermarket in the message.
Hmm, this is slightly amusing...
I could see a sign like this popping up on I-290 near Buffalo when Whole Foods opens, but I don't know. Are that many people in Boston that Wegmans-crazy? I never got into it, likely because I've been raised on Wegmans my entire life.
Folks in the Commonwealth love to be the first ones to get in on something that they think they've been missing out on from other parts of the country. I'm reminded of the lines of traffic that were generated by the first Sonic in the state, or the lines out the door at the since-closed Krispy Kreme locations.
Wegmans is definitely treating this like an event. Their advertising notes not only that they are opening Sunday, but that they are opening at 7 AM on Sunday. I know someone originally from Western NY that essentially tailgated the Wegmans opening in Northborough a few years back. Northborough was the first store in MA; I believe Westwood is the 4th.
The person who posed the question also lives in Upstate New York. Aside from the Pittsford store, no currently-open New York location is remotely like a Wegmans in Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Swing into the Pittsford store on NY 31 next time you're near Rochester. That is what the rest of the country thinks when they hear "Wegmans". I've been in the Northborough store as well as a couple further south. They're nothing like a Wegmans in New York.
And about the statement I bolded, Buffalo is the same way. Buffalo is very similar to Boston in several regards and that is precisely the reason why I intend to move away.
Quote from: cl94 on October 09, 2015, 03:40:46 PM
The person who posed the question also lives in Upstate New York. Aside from the Pittsford store, no currently-open New York location is remotely like a Wegmans in Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Swing into the Pittsford store on NY 31 next time you're near Rochester. That is what the rest of the country thinks when they hear "Wegmans". I've been in the Northborough store as well as a couple further south. They're nothing like a Wegmans in New York.
Calkins Rd, Canandaigua, DeWitt, East Ave (smaller but still packed with all the usual amenities, and a parking lot that includes the entire footprint of the old store and parking lot combined)... looks like they're giving Buffalo the cold shoulder.
A VMS on I-81 NB near the Maryland state line said:
US 11 52 MILES 51 MIN
I-78 89 MILES 88 MIN
Uh, you can take US 11 from Exit 3, 5 (via PA 16 west), 10 (PA 914 west), 14 (via Wayne Ave. and Orchard Drive)...you have all these opportunities to get on US 11, what's the point of driving to Carlisle to hop on 11?
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 09, 2015, 09:24:31 PM
A VMS on I-81 NB near the Maryland state line said:
US 11 52 MILES 51 MIN
I-78 89 MILES 88 MIN
Uh, you can take US 11 from Exit 3, 5 (via PA 16 west), 10 (PA 914 west), 14 (via Wayne Ave. and Orchard Drive)...you have all these opportunities to get on US 11, what's the point of driving to Carlisle to hop on 11?
The sign has nothing to do with which exit(s) you can take to utilize US 11. It's simply pointing out how long it will take to drive those 52 miles to get to the direct interchange with US 11.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 09, 2015, 10:26:37 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 09, 2015, 09:24:31 PM
A VMS on I-81 NB near the Maryland state line said:
US 11 52 MILES 51 MIN
I-78 89 MILES 88 MIN
Uh, you can take US 11 from Exit 3, 5 (via PA 16 west), 10 (PA 914 west), 14 (via Wayne Ave. and Orchard Drive)...you have all these opportunities to get on US 11, what's the point of driving to Carlisle to hop on 11?
The sign has nothing to do with which exit(s) you can take to utilize US 11. It's simply pointing out how long it will take to drive those 52 miles to get to the direct interchange with US 11.
There is a direct interchange about 2 miles north of the VMS...it's only US 11 and nothing else.
Quote from: cl94 on October 09, 2015, 03:40:46 PM
That is what the rest of the country thinks when they hear "Wegmans".
My mind mentally "corrects" it to Schwegmann's, a grocery store in the New Orleans area in the last century.
DEEZ NUTZ!
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2015/07/central-expressway-sign-flashed-colorful-slang-early-monday.html/ (http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2015/07/central-expressway-sign-flashed-colorful-slang-early-monday.html/)
While they aren't absurd per se, TDOT (Tennessee) has been having fun with their message signs.
I forget what this week's message is, but one I recall was "HEY YOU / YEAH YOU / HANG UP AND DRIVE"
(Looks like at least a few of them came from a contest.) (http://wkrn.com/2015/02/09/winners-selected-in-tdots-overhead-message-board-contest/)
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on October 12, 2015, 08:06:43 PM
While they aren't absurd per se, TDOT (Tennessee) has been having fun with their message signs.
I forget what this week's message is, but one I recall was "HEY YOU / YEAH YOU / HANG UP AND DRIVE"
(Looks like at least a few of them came from a contest.) (http://wkrn.com/2015/02/09/winners-selected-in-tdots-overhead-message-board-contest/)
It's always a head-scratcher to me when there are three-part VMS messages against distracted driving.
Decided to re-activate this thread due to the latest absurdity I've seen. Earlier today, on I-95/128 south in Lexington, the VMS just south of Routes 4 and 225 was displaying
NEVER LEAVE A KID IN A CAR
EVEN FOR A MINUTE
And of course, traffic was bumper to bumper across all four lanes.
Courtesy of MoDOT...
C your BFF tonight
Buckle up
Quote from: roadman on June 07, 2016, 03:29:26 PM
Decided to re-activate this thread due to the latest absurdity I've seen. Earlier today, on I-95/128 south in Lexington, the VMS just south of Routes 4 and 225 was displaying
NEVER LEAVE A KID IN A CAR
EVEN FOR A MINUTE
And of course, traffic was bumper to bumper across all four lanes.
I can see the sign entering Walmart that just might remind someone that they left their kid in the car, but a highway sign? There can't possibly be some terrible parent who will avoid leaving a kid in a car because of this message, right?
Quote from: spooky on June 07, 2016, 08:34:55 PM
Quote from: roadman on June 07, 2016, 03:29:26 PM
Decided to re-activate this thread due to the latest absurdity I've seen. Earlier today, on I-95/128 south in Lexington, the VMS just south of Routes 4 and 225 was displaying
NEVER LEAVE A KID IN A CAR
EVEN FOR A MINUTE
And of course, traffic was bumper to bumper across all four lanes.
I can see the sign entering Walmart that just might remind someone that they left their kid in the car, but a highway sign? There can't possibly be some terrible parent who will avoid leaving a kid in a car because of this message, right?
It would have to be the subconsciousness of the message that makes you think. Like a store or restaurant advertising on TV at 2am when they're clearly not open.
During the opening day of the new Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, all traffic on State Route 520 was rerouted off the old bridge for the festivities.
One of the westbound VMSes on the west end was displaying a closure notice for the next day, with no one but pedestrians and shuttle bus drivers to see it.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7181/26941354264_5bef7aaa7b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/H3Hu11)
SR 520 VMS (https://flic.kr/p/H3Hu11) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
A short distance before a concealed fixed speed camera:
PLEASE OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT
Quote from: Pete from Boston on October 13, 2015, 07:03:12 AM
It's always a head-scratcher to me when there are three-part VMS messages against distracted driving.
I haven't seen them in some time, but Michigan VMSs used to display the website address to check real-time traffic conditions. I understand the intent, but it was always a head-scratcher to me that the message seemed to encourage web surfing while driving. Maybe someone at MDOT finally realized that and that's why the message hasn't been displayed lately.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 10, 2016, 07:36:13 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on October 13, 2015, 07:03:12 AM
It's always a head-scratcher to me when there are three-part VMS messages against distracted driving.
I haven't seen them in some time, but Michigan VMSs used to display the website address to check real-time traffic conditions. I understand the intent, but it was always a head-scratcher to me that the message seemed to encourage web surfing while driving. Maybe someone at MDOT finally realized that and that's why the message hasn't been displayed lately.
But your passenger(s) can.
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 10, 2015, 10:56:16 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 09, 2015, 10:26:37 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 09, 2015, 09:24:31 PM
A VMS on I-81 NB near the Maryland state line said:
US 11 52 MILES 51 MIN
I-78 89 MILES 88 MIN
Uh, you can take US 11 from Exit 3, 5 (via PA 16 west), 10 (PA 914 west), 14 (via Wayne Ave. and Orchard Drive)...you have all these opportunities to get on US 11, what's the point of driving to Carlisle to hop on 11?
The sign has nothing to do with which exit(s) you can take to utilize US 11. It's simply pointing out how long it will take to drive those 52 miles to get to the direct interchange with US 11.
There is a direct interchange about 2 miles north of the VMS...it's only US 11 and nothing else.
I think the point is to show the distance to access the PA Turnpike (via US 11 at Exit 52).
Quote from: 74/171FAN on June 10, 2016, 05:06:11 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 10, 2015, 10:56:16 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 09, 2015, 10:26:37 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 09, 2015, 09:24:31 PM
A VMS on I-81 NB near the Maryland state line said:
US 11 52 MILES 51 MIN
I-78 89 MILES 88 MIN
Uh, you can take US 11 from Exit 3, 5 (via PA 16 west), 10 (PA 914 west), 14 (via Wayne Ave. and Orchard Drive)...you have all these opportunities to get on US 11, what's the point of driving to Carlisle to hop on 11?
The sign has nothing to do with which exit(s) you can take to utilize US 11. It's simply pointing out how long it will take to drive those 52 miles to get to the direct interchange with US 11.
There is a direct interchange about 2 miles north of the VMS...it's only US 11 and nothing else.
I think the point is to show the distance to access the PA Turnpike (via US 11 at Exit 52).
If so, then they would have displayed I-76 or I-76 VIA US 11. If they just said US 11, then I would assume they refer to Exit 3 and not Exit 52.
Quote from: US 81 on June 10, 2016, 05:02:55 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 10, 2016, 07:36:13 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on October 13, 2015, 07:03:12 AM
It's always a head-scratcher to me when there are three-part VMS messages against distracted driving.
I haven't seen them in some time, but Michigan VMSs used to display the website address to check real-time traffic conditions. I understand the intent, but it was always a head-scratcher to me that the message seemed to encourage web surfing while driving. Maybe someone at MDOT finally realized that and that's why the message hasn't been displayed lately.
But your passenger(s) can.
Just like Waze won't let you type if moving. It allows the "passenger" to type with a button
(https://65.media.tumblr.com/472fb932cede7ca8e9f78a6e8a6cfeba/tumblr_oa7hsd3jKt1rned4yo1_1280.jpg)
Is that real or Photoshopped?
Quote from: noelbotevera on June 10, 2016, 05:20:12 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on June 10, 2016, 05:06:11 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 10, 2015, 10:56:16 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 09, 2015, 10:26:37 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 09, 2015, 09:24:31 PM
A VMS on I-81 NB near the Maryland state line said:
US 11 52 MILES 51 MIN
I-78 89 MILES 88 MIN
Uh, you can take US 11 from Exit 3, 5 (via PA 16 west), 10 (PA 914 west), 14 (via Wayne Ave. and Orchard Drive)...you have all these opportunities to get on US 11, what's the point of driving to Carlisle to hop on 11?
The sign has nothing to do with which exit(s) you can take to utilize US 11. It's simply pointing out how long it will take to drive those 52 miles to get to the direct interchange with US 11.
There is a direct interchange about 2 miles north of the VMS...it's only US 11 and nothing else.
I think the point is to show the distance to access the PA Turnpike (via US 11 at Exit 52).
If so, then they would have displayed I-76 or I-76 VIA US 11. If they just said US 11, then I would assume they refer to Exit 3 and not Exit 52.
To better understand the sign's intention: Ignore the route. The sign is saying:
52 Miles: 51 Minutes
89 Miles: 88 Minutes
So, in order to drive 52 miles on the highway you are currently on, it'll take you 51 minutes.
Quote from: jbnv on July 12, 2016, 11:14:53 AM
Is that real or Photoshopped?
The R pretty much gives that away. The font used is different than the other letters in the "sign".
Found in Wisconsin:
(https://67.media.tumblr.com/5f77821daa851b13f858592be2d1bc9f/tumblr_oa9hz2SbqB1tor43qo1_540.jpg)
Edit: made the news (http://www.khou.com/features/wisconsin-tells-drivers-to-catch-pokmon-later/272076065)
This one's from ADOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmeredithaz.images.worldnow.com%2Fimages%2F10973841_G.jpg&hash=eb8645d5bbdd589c268a1ce4e0e0f2ae3ad3fce1)
Edit: also made the news (http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-traffic/2016/07/13/arizona-freeway-warning-no-pokemon-go-while-driving/87024232/)
That's amazing! I could imagine people doing Pokemon Go while driving since their driving past new places. It sounds like many people are addicted already. It's no longer "Texting and Driving" that's the problem, it's "GO-ing and Driving" :-D
Someone at ADOT has a sense of humor.
(https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8Rzk-UJl1xjvG2o91mH0k-LkQ5s=/74x0:778x396/1310x737/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47742125/Screen_Shot_2015-11-25_at_12.03.18_PM.0.0.png)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.propertycasualty360.com%2Fpropertycasualty360%2Farticle%2F2016%2F03%2F17%2Ffunny-signs6answer-financial-twitter.jpg&hash=afe05a36fb4f764095e5744441dab60bf821176f)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.propertycasualty360.com%2Fpropertycasualty360%2Farticle%2F2016%2F03%2F17%2Ffunny-signs4stephanie-mtwitter-crop-600x338.jpg&hash=418036472fc9b1bd1e75cb591e12a30d59fa1665)
From IADOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.navigatored.com%2Fimages%2FFunnyTransportionSigns.jpg&hash=ab4a0b60c18441349b44d9bcd6484a9ca415f865)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gannett-cdn.com%2F-mm-%2F9d2909ae4ef2ca7bdd1169b45cd01e59500bc487%2Fc%3D5-0-4314-3240%26amp%3Br%3Dx408%26amp%3Bc%3D540x405%2Flocal%2F-%2Fmedia%2F2015%2F10%2F05%2FIAGroup%2FDesMoines%2F635796408343774812-Hey-Bobblehead-Stop-Looking-at-your-phone.JPG&hash=be05e7efc6cc1ff4099d938d0b12e45801066d7f)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kcci.com%2Fimage%2Fview%2F-%2F35656864%2FhighRes%2F1%2F-%2Fmaxh%2F630%2Fmaxw%2F1200%2F-%2F22k591z%2F-%2Fexit-to-text-it-jpg.jpg&hash=baae2316694d52f832223117bf637681e6d1633b)
TDOT let contest winners (http://wkrn.com/2015/02/09/winners-selected-in-tdots-overhead-message-board-contest/) pick its VMS messages.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmediad.publicbroadcasting.net%2Fp%2Fshared%2Fnpr%2Fstyles%2Fx_large%2Fnprshared%2F201601%2F463620422.png&hash=3281a2e2cab14072c782d8079725d38b2be103bf)
(https://noogacms.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/a0c574b7c023221e3eb7517ad95444ce69413.png)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fscontent.cdninstagram.com%2Fl%2Ft51.2885-15%2Fs480x480%2Fe15%2F11377776_1455127278115310_2039482253_n.jpg%3Fig_cache_key%3DOTk4NjA2ODYwMzQ2NTY5MTUx.2&hash=354066fd94e80a30b5a1045a22fe06544c8192af)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CCkO973VIAAmU9c.jpg)
Here is what I would like to see for Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
REAL MEN WEAR PINK
AND DON'T
DRINK AND DRIVE
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CJkO2RxUMAAqMcx.jpg)
EDIT: This inverts the subject (the text isn't absurd, the practice drivers have is)
Quote from: Right on Red on July 14, 2016, 11:06:22 AM
From IADOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.navigatored.com%2Fimages%2FFunnyTransportionSigns.jpg&hash=ab4a0b60c18441349b44d9bcd6484a9ca415f865)
Sorry, the proper response is "And also with you." (or it is if you're like me and quit the Catholic Church before 2011)
From Ayer, MA:
(https://cbsboston.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/pokemon-drive.jpg)
San Diego:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sandiegouniontrib.com%2Fimg%2Fphotos%2F2016%2F07%2F14%2Fpokemon_r900x493.jpg%3F122770e84b36f1c039d5c4c2ca15c2d8bc4ecd52&hash=e9974daaaa77484aafeb552c30871f0852d03dbb)
Quote from: Mr. Matté on July 14, 2016, 04:22:02 PM
Quote from: Right on Red on July 14, 2016, 11:06:22 AM
From IADOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.navigatored.com%2Fimages%2FFunnyTransportionSigns.jpg&hash=ab4a0b60c18441349b44d9bcd6484a9ca415f865)
Sorry, the proper response is "And also with you." (or it is if you're like me and quit the Catholic Church before 2011)
I immediately understood your comment. Not having read your parenthesis till revisiting the thread, it didn't occur to me people wouldn't understand it. I grew up Lutheran, not Catholic, but they use a lot of the same liturgy.
Quote from: Right on Red on July 14, 2016, 11:06:22 AM
From IADOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.navigatored.com%2Fimages%2FFunnyTransportionSigns.jpg&hash=ab4a0b60c18441349b44d9bcd6484a9ca415f865)
It should actually say "Text
you will not."
Quote from: Jet380 on June 10, 2016, 06:02:06 AM
A short distance before a concealed fixed speed camera:
PLEASE OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT
We have portable ones around Chicagoland that say:
OBEY
SPEED
LIMIT
(flip to second part of message)
IN
WORK
ZONES
Of course, no one pays them any heed.
Quote from: kphoger on July 14, 2016, 04:47:16 PM
Quote from: Mr. Matté on July 14, 2016, 04:22:02 PM
Quote from: Right on Red on July 14, 2016, 11:06:22 AM
From IADOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.navigatored.com%2Fimages%2FFunnyTransportionSigns.jpg&hash=ab4a0b60c18441349b44d9bcd6484a9ca415f865)
Sorry, the proper response is "And also with you." (or it is if you're like me and quit the Catholic Church before 2011)
I immediately understood your comment. Not having read your parenthesis till revisiting the thread, it didn't occur to me people wouldn't understand it. I grew up Lutheran, not Catholic, but they use a lot of the same liturgy.
Ditto. Reminds me of that joke about Catholics/Lutherans being kicked out of a movie theater when seeing the newest Star Wars film for responding to "may the force be with you" every time it is said.
Quote from: Right on Red on July 12, 2016, 11:12:59 AM
(https://65.media.tumblr.com/472fb932cede7ca8e9f78a6e8a6cfeba/tumblr_oa7hsd3jKt1rned4yo1_1280.jpg)
where was this taken? I cant quite make out the interstate signs in the distance.
Also my favorite is the boston one "USE YAH BLINKAH"
TURN SIGNALS
THE ORIGINAL
INSTANT MESSAGE
(seen on several MoDOT signs)
Quote from: mariethefoxy on July 15, 2016, 08:08:06 PM
where was this taken? I cant quite make out the interstate signs in the distance.
Also my favorite is the boston one "USE YAH BLINKAH"
If I squint, I think I can make out Des Moines on the left-hand BGS. I think. Judging from the shields, either I-35 or I-80 (or I-235) near there?
Quote from: PurdueBill on July 18, 2016, 12:19:34 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on July 15, 2016, 08:08:06 PM
where was this taken? I cant quite make out the interstate signs in the distance.
Also my favorite is the boston one "USE YAH BLINKAH"
If I squint, I think I can make out Des Moines on the left-hand BGS. I think. Judging from the shields, either I-35 or I-80 (or I-235) near there?
Found it.....I-80 WB, about to underpass NE 38th St. (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Des+Moines,+IA/@41.6570843,-93.5425015,3a,66.8y,273.33h,85.73t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1srTwUE8rol46xkq7_gL1s3A!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x87ee99a4c1611ee7:0x710028512691e4b2)
The signs in the distance were indeed 235/80/35 related. (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Des+Moines,+IA/@41.6559651,-93.5500769,3a,66.8y,274.27h,85.31t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sHmErA8GnfrvLTp8x8QJwdg!2e0!4m2!3m1!1s0x87ee99a4c1611ee7:0x710028512691e4b2)
Quote from: kphoger on July 14, 2016, 04:47:16 PM
Quote from: Mr. Matté on July 14, 2016, 04:22:02 PM
Quote from: Right on Red on July 14, 2016, 11:06:22 AM
From IADOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.navigatored.com%2Fimages%2FFunnyTransportionSigns.jpg&hash=ab4a0b60c18441349b44d9bcd6484a9ca415f865)
Sorry, the proper response is "And also with you." (or it is if you're like me and quit the Catholic Church before 2011)
I immediately understood your comment. Not having read your parenthesis till revisiting the thread, it didn't occur to me people wouldn't understand it. I grew up Lutheran, not Catholic, but they use a lot of the same liturgy.
At Christmas and Easter, you can immediately identify those members of the congregation who only attend Mass only once or twice a year because they still respond "and also with you".
Illinois DOT telling you what (not) to do.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdevaldragon.com%2FYears%2F2015%2FRoad%2FRoad-3.jpg&hash=d261282e4e81b9efb67c3c2f94cef23efa4a9a5a)
On the approach to a workzone in Effingham IL on I-57 southbound.
Quote from: DevalDragon on July 18, 2016, 11:30:31 PM
Illinois DOT telling you what (not) to do.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdevaldragon.com%2FYears%2F2015%2FRoad%2FRoad-3.jpg&hash=d261282e4e81b9efb67c3c2f94cef23efa4a9a5a)
On the approach to a workzone in Effingham IL on I-57 southbound.
If you're snoozing how would one read the VMS instead of crashing right into it or someone else? :rolleyes:
Quote from: cl94 on July 15, 2016, 07:21:56 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 14, 2016, 04:47:16 PM
Quote from: Mr. Matté on July 14, 2016, 04:22:02 PM
Quote from: Right on Red on July 14, 2016, 11:06:22 AM
From IADOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.navigatored.com%2Fimages%2FFunnyTransportionSigns.jpg&hash=ab4a0b60c18441349b44d9bcd6484a9ca415f865)
Sorry, the proper response is "And also with you." (or it is if you're like me and quit the Catholic Church before 2011)
I immediately understood your comment. Not having read your parenthesis till revisiting the thread, it didn't occur to me people wouldn't understand it. I grew up Lutheran, not Catholic, but they use a lot of the same liturgy.
Ditto. Reminds me of that joke about Catholics/Lutherans being kicked out of a movie theater when seeing the newest Star Wars film for responding to "may the force be with you" every time it is said.
I grew up in the Episcopal Church, in my church we used the 1928 Prayer Book.. so we went all Elizabethan.. "and with thy spirit".. 1549 translation from the Latin Mass.. so the new response is closer to the original Latin.
More ADOT:
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/fe10facbb60b7d2547954f616263a36b/tumblr_oaqqzd2IeP1qzag1xo1_540.jpg)
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/62d3caf1cd36795862f1f2bbd08a3dc4/tumblr_oaqqzd2IeP1qzag1xo2_540.jpg)
Quote from: Right on Red on July 22, 2016, 10:47:10 PM
More ADOT:
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/fe10facbb60b7d2547954f616263a36b/tumblr_oaqqzd2IeP1qzag1xo1_540.jpg)
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/62d3caf1cd36795862f1f2bbd08a3dc4/tumblr_oaqqzd2IeP1qzag1xo2_540.jpg)
Awesome! I'm starting to like ADOT :-D
I can't wait to see the movie this weekend :)
Quote from: Right on Red on July 22, 2016, 10:47:10 PM
More ADOT:
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/fe10facbb60b7d2547954f616263a36b/tumblr_oaqqzd2IeP1qzag1xo1_540.jpg)
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/62d3caf1cd36795862f1f2bbd08a3dc4/tumblr_oaqqzd2IeP1qzag1xo2_540.jpg)
Make it so number one
I wish I had taken a picture, but three weeks ago, I saw a TDOT message that began "YOU'RE IN TENNESSEE NOW / VOLUNTEER..." (and I forget the rest).
Thing is...I saw this heading westbound off the Hernando-DeSoto Bridge, by an Arkansas weigh station, complete with an Arkansas state trooper running a speed trap.
Apparently the folks in Nashville forgot that the state's VMS network includes a few signs in West Memphis.
I think the most absurd VMS I've ever seen was one saying (originally in Spanish) 'Speed can kill'. Nothing wrong... except it showed up in a jam.
Quote from: Right on Red on July 14, 2016, 04:44:44 PMFrom Ayer, MA:
I actually thought it was spotted the previous day somewhere in Massachusetts, as 'Ayer' is Spanish for 'yesterday'.
Along the lines of the bus signs, the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky does this as well. Take a look at this, which is absurd for TWO reasons even:
1) It's a Merry Christmas sign
2) This photo was taken in JUNE.
Photo by me, 6/10/15.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FW4ziRDwl.jpg&hash=417a3995a350aa8c958517b529a79438b78fd768)
Quote from: mariethefoxy on July 15, 2016, 08:08:06 PM
Quote from: Right on Red on July 12, 2016, 11:12:59 AM
(https://65.media.tumblr.com/472fb932cede7ca8e9f78a6e8a6cfeba/tumblr_oa7hsd3jKt1rned4yo1_1280.jpg)
where was this taken? I cant quite make out the interstate signs in the distance.
Also my favorite is the boston one "USE YAH BLINKAH"
Now that's what's called the sign of the times (2016)...adults, don't be children, keep an eye on the roads...and if you're a pedestrian, look around you instead looking for pikachu on the damn screen. :)
I admit that I have Pokémon Go going while in heavy, slow-moving traffic, but I don't look at it. If you're moving slower than 15 km/h, it thinks you're walking and it will count toward hatching eggs. Makes traffic a hell of a lot more enjoyable, especially if the jam is a few miles long and you can get a few eggs to hatch with zero effort.
Quote from: JMoses24 on July 26, 2016, 05:31:27 AM
Along the lines of the bus signs, the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky does this as well. Take a look at this, which is absurd for TWO reasons even:
1) It's a Merry Christmas sign
2) This photo was taken in JUNE.
Photo by me, 6/10/15.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FW4ziRDwl.jpg&hash=417a3995a350aa8c958517b529a79438b78fd768)
Speaking of absurd transit VMS messages, the MBTA's latest double-decker commuter rail coaches have VMS displays on the outside of the cars. The intent of these displays was to indicate the destination of the train. However, more often than not, the displays read "Now Arriving At (station)" instead. Apart from the utter absurdity of having to tell passengers on a station platform that the train is arriving at that station, the displays seldom get the station name correct.
One from the I-90 Tollway reconstruction project in Chicagoland a few weeks ago:
STAY
ALIVE
[changes to]
DRIVE
45
Never mind that at least 70% of the traffic passing this sign is doing at least 60. There was another sign after this one with a message along the same lines, but I can't remember what it was.
From I-41/I-94 near Racine recently:
CHANGING LANES? SHOW US YOUR BLINKER (may not be an exact word for word match but close enough)
Yesterday afternoon, coming through Providence, the VMSes were displaying:
STOP SPEEDING
BEFORE IT
STOPS YOU
Although the message was shown on EVERY sign between Route 4 and the MA line, I guess that's better than seeing
PROVIDENCE-NEWPORT FERRY
12:30 SOLD OUT
5:00 STILL TICKETS
on all the signs, which was the case two weeks ago. And note that the ferry message was being displayed about 3:00 pm, well after the 12:30 ferry had departed.
Quote from: roadman on August 01, 2016, 10:37:02 AM
Although the message was shown on EVERY sign between Route 4 and the MA line, I guess that's better than seeing
PROVIDENCE-NEWPORT FERRY
12:30 SOLD OUT
5:00 STILL TICKETS
on all the signs, which was the case two weeks ago. And note that the ferry message was being displayed about 3:00 pm, well after the 12:30 ferry had departed.
That's more lazy than absurd.
Quote from: jbnv on August 01, 2016, 11:47:20 AM
Quote from: roadman on August 01, 2016, 10:37:02 AM
Although the message was shown on EVERY sign between Route 4 and the MA line, I guess that's better than seeing
PROVIDENCE-NEWPORT FERRY
12:30 SOLD OUT
5:00 STILL TICKETS
on all the signs, which was the case two weeks ago. And note that the ferry message was being displayed about 3:00 pm, well after the 12:30 ferry had departed.
That's more lazy than absurd.
The message itself is lazy. Placing it on every northbound VMS panel between Route 4 and the Massachusetts line is absurd.
Just when you thought MassDOT had run out of totally absurd (and non-transportation related) VMS messages:
http://www.universalhub.com/2016/jennifuh-quickly-grew-her-roommate-bu
Along I-95 in Delaware, between Newark and Wilmington:
Screen 1: "SCHOOL'S IN SESSION"
Screen 2: "GIVE KIDS A BRAKE"
The actual message isn't absurd - drivers really should use caution in school zones and in the vicinity of stopped school buses - it's just that they didn't need to use a lame pun like that.
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
We were joking about that ourselves over the past couple of weeks due to our recent and frequent trips on the western half of the Pike.
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I bet they were talking about the magazine.
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
That or they were going for a self-deprecating pun with poor grammar by suggesting "(WE) RUINS (sic) LIVES".
Quote from: cl94 on July 27, 2016, 09:52:46 PM
I admit that I have Pokémon Go going while in heavy, slow-moving traffic, but I don't look at it. If you're moving slower than 15 km/h, it thinks you're walking and it will count toward hatching eggs. Makes traffic a hell of a lot more enjoyable, especially if the jam is a few miles long and you can get a few eggs to hatch with zero effort.
Those days are gone
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I have no idea what it even means. Good job, MassDOT. For all I know, OUI is a political organization and MassDOT is telling me not to vote for them.
Quote from: JCinSummerfield on September 08, 2016, 01:10:08 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I bet they were talking about the magazine.
I remember finding that magazine in my grandpa's stash when I was a kid... Is there any magazines left? Or is it all online now
Quote from: kphoger on September 10, 2016, 12:46:40 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I have no idea what it even means. Good job, MassDOT. For all I know, OUI is a political organization and MassDOT is telling me not to vote for them.
Besides, the common parlance around here is DUI, not OUI.
Quote from: SidS1045 on September 10, 2016, 01:49:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 10, 2016, 12:46:40 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I have no idea what it even means. Good job, MassDOT. For all I know, OUI is a political organization and MassDOT is telling me not to vote for them.
Besides, the common parlance around here is DUI, not OUI.
Oh, so it means DUI? See, now, I would have read that sign and not understood the message.
I still just had to do a Google search to figure out what the O even stands for.
Quote from: SidS1045 on September 10, 2016, 01:49:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 10, 2016, 12:46:40 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I have no idea what it even means. Good job, MassDOT. For all I know, OUI is a political organization and MassDOT is telling me not to vote for them.
Besides, the common parlance around here is DUI, not OUI.
We use DWI down in Texas.
Quote from: DevalDragon on September 10, 2016, 11:57:28 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on September 10, 2016, 01:49:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 10, 2016, 12:46:40 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I have no idea what it even means. Good job, MassDOT. For all I know, OUI is a political organization and MassDOT is telling me not to vote for them.
Besides, the common parlance around here is DUI, not OUI.
We use DWI down in Texas.
I believe they mean different things. I think one is alcohol, while the other is alcohol or other drugs. Don't remember which one is which, though
Quote from: bzakharin on September 12, 2016, 01:06:07 PM
Quote from: DevalDragon on September 10, 2016, 11:57:28 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on September 10, 2016, 01:49:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 10, 2016, 12:46:40 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I have no idea what it even means. Good job, MassDOT. For all I know, OUI is a political organization and MassDOT is telling me not to vote for them.
Besides, the common parlance around here is DUI, not OUI.
We use DWI down in Texas.
I believe they mean different things. I think one is alcohol, while the other is alcohol or other drugs. Don't remember which one is which, though
Driving While Intoxicated
Driving Under (the) Influence.
I believe DUI is more broad than DWI.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 12, 2016, 01:23:01 PM
Driving While Intoxicated
Driving Under (the) Influence.
I believe DUI is more broad than DWI.
Yeah, I knew what they stood for. It's not clear which one is broader. On the one hand "intoxicated" has a more specific meaning. On the other hand, if we're just talking about alcohol and drugs, "intoxicated" covers both. On the third hand (or something) DWI does not necessarily imply that the substance is actually influencing your driving. As for OUI, I've never heard of it. I assumed it was a case of DUI with a D indistinguishable from an O. Once I realized it was not, I did guess "Operating" correctly.
In NC it's DWI (Driving While Impaired)-covers the whole range from alcohol to drugs.
Seen at LAX recently, regarding a certain exploding smartphone:
https://gfycat.com/PitifulWarmheartedFlyinglemur
Quote from: Bruce on October 16, 2016, 12:33:52 AM
Seen at LAX recently, regarding a certain exploding smartphone:
https://gfycat.com/PitifulWarmheartedFlyinglemur
I'm sure that went over well with all the people carrying them. I love the current "one text or call could end it all" messages Caltrans had up this past week. Nothing like a good scare tactic campaign at 5 AM in the morning to make your climb up Tehachpi Pass more enjoyable. :rolleyes:
It's hardly a "scare" tactic. The damned things were spontaneously bursting into flame and their manufacturer was unable to fix the problem. Even the supposedly "fixed" ones were doing it too. (Parenthetically, this failure is going to cost Samsung, by some estimates, billions of dollars.) If its users were paying attention and had some brain matter, they had already stopped using them.
And that ban the VMS referred to was imposed not by LAX alone, but by the FAA and applies nationwide.
Quote from: SidS1045 on October 16, 2016, 10:22:11 PM
It's hardly a "scare" tactic. The damned things were spontaneously bursting into flame and their manufacturer was unable to fix the problem. Even the supposedly "fixed" ones were doing it too. (Parenthetically, this failure is going to cost Samsung, by some estimates, billions of dollars.) If its users were paying attention and had some brain matter, they had already stopped using them.
And that ban the VMS referred to was imposed not by LAX alone, but by the FAA and applies nationwide.
I meant the VMS sign saying "one text or call could end it all."
In Missouri a week ago, I saw several VMSes with cutesy Halloween-themed messages. "Mind your mummy / Don't speed" was one of them. They made me want to vomit, but I couldn't because I was in a borrowed car.
I have a whole album (https://imgur.com/a/sBS70) of these, in various levels of hilarity and/or absurdity, that I've taken from the Des Moines area. Apologies if any of these have already been posted.
Just when you thought MassDOT couldn't outdo themselves with irrelevant (to the driving task) CMS messages. Spotted last night on I-93 south, on the CMS boards south of Dascomb Road and at Route 129:
REPLACE SMOKE TEST MONTHLY
DETECTORS CHECK BATTERY
EVERY 10 YEARS
Quote from: roadman on October 19, 2016, 10:09:06 AM
Just when you thought MassDOT couldn't outdo themselves with irrelevant (to the driving task) CMS messages. Spotted last night on I-93 south, on the CMS boards south of Dascomb Road and at Route 129:
REPLACE SMOKE TEST MONTHLY
DETECTORS CHECK BATTERY
EVERY 10 YEARS
Wouldn't that be because it's for fire prevention month?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 19, 2016, 10:41:46 AM
Quote from: roadman on October 19, 2016, 10:09:06 AM
Just when you thought MassDOT couldn't outdo themselves with irrelevant (to the driving task) CMS messages. Spotted last night on I-93 south, on the CMS boards south of Dascomb Road and at Route 129:
REPLACE SMOKE TEST MONTHLY
DETECTORS CHECK BATTERY
EVERY 10 YEARS
Wouldn't that be because it's for prevention month?
It could be hot dog appreciation month, but I don't want hot dog messages on VMSes.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 19, 2016, 10:41:46 AM
Quote from: roadman on October 19, 2016, 10:09:06 AM
Just when you thought MassDOT couldn't outdo themselves with irrelevant (to the driving task) CMS messages. Spotted last night on I-93 south, on the CMS boards south of Dascomb Road and at Route 129:
REPLACE SMOKE TEST MONTHLY
DETECTORS CHECK BATTERY
EVERY 10 YEARS
Wouldn't that be because it's for fire prevention month?
That's the type of thing that the requirement to flash PSAs on digital billboards is intended to cover. They shouldn't be cluttering highway signs with non-highway messages.
This hasn't happened yet, but I could imagine this (on a 3x15 display):
GAME2|CUBS 0
TOP 3|INDIANS 0
MAN ON 1ST 1OUT
With live updates!
Quote from: 1 on October 19, 2016, 04:00:26 PM
This hasn't happened yet, but I could imagine this (on a 3x15 display):
GAME2|CUBS 0
TOP 3|INDIANS 0
MAN ON 1ST 1OUT
With live updates!
As an Indians fan married to a Cubs fan, I'm hoping your crystal ball sees a week into the future. :clap:
Quote from: 1 on October 19, 2016, 04:00:26 PM
This hasn't happened yet, but I could imagine this (on a 3x15 display):
GAME2|CUBS 0
TOP 3|INDIANS 0
MAN ON 1ST 1OUT
With live updates!
I see that you formatted it where everything lines up, however, fixed character matrix DMS are going by the wayside, since the industry trend is toward full matrix displays. Many manufacturers don't even make fixed character matrix signs anymore. ADOT in 2012 decided to go the full matrix route for this reason, even though they are not currently being used to their full potential such as displaying different fonts and graphics. As far as I know ADOT uses the same software to program its signs statewide for compatibility reasons, which does not support different fonts or graphics, thus sometimes formatting is a bit imperfect on the full matrix signs due to the use of a font intended for fixed character matrix signs (this is usually more noticeable on the travel times displays around the Phoenix area when they are displayed on a full matrix sign).
Here is a message that I think could be ideal for this upcoming weekend:
QuoteBE A VETERAN
PLEASE BUCKLE UP
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161124%2F47f4df75d98813c5aa17b8a742d1a69c.jpg&hash=e989e5c5c8ff804f08dbf7abaac1a5ee9abab4f4)
Here is ADOT's message of the day:
QuoteMASH POTATOES
NOT YOUR HEAD
BUCKLE UP
Quote from: Pink Jazz on November 24, 2016, 03:13:19 PM
Here is ADOT's message of the day:
QuoteMASH POTATOES
NOT YOUR HEAD
BUCKLE UP
(https://i.reddituploads.com/088939900a9c4c2f8460431b8055c54c?fit=max&h=1536&w=1536&s=6a98a103d066fd2b7d5dd7bf59c7a005)
(from Reddit)
Quote from: 6a on November 24, 2016, 02:06:46 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161124%2F47f4df75d98813c5aa17b8a742d1a69c.jpg&hash=e989e5c5c8ff804f08dbf7abaac1a5ee9abab4f4)
This message was also on all VMSs on I-75 and I-475 in the Toledo OH area. I looped through there about 2:00 this morning.
The state DOTs must all subscribe to a newsletter to pick up these gems.
The Alantic City Expressway has been showing the following message on VMSs"
WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK
SEAT BELTS ? ? ?
I can see where they're trying to be clever, but to me it is sending the opposite of the intended message. Especially those question marks.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 25, 2016, 11:43:37 AM
Quote from: 6a on November 24, 2016, 02:06:46 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161124%2F47f4df75d98813c5aa17b8a742d1a69c.jpg&hash=e989e5c5c8ff804f08dbf7abaac1a5ee9abab4f4)
This message was also on all VMSs on I-75 and I-475 in the Toledo OH area. I looped through there about 2:00 this morning.
The state DOTs must all subscribe to a newsletter to pick up these gems.
For whatever that reminds me of that s%##y movie Gigli where Jennifer Lopez said "it's turkey time, gobble, gobble." :-D
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 25, 2016, 11:43:37 AM
This message was also on all VMSs on I-75 and I-475 in the Toledo OH area. I looped through there about 2:00 this morning.
This is perhaps the biggest problem with posting "cleverly worded" messages that DOTs fail to recognize - overuse. When MassDOT introduced the silly (to people who live outside of Boston) "Use Yah Blinka" messages, they appeared on every board in the state almost at the same time. Kind of cute when you've seen it once or twice. But just plain annoying when it's still on the eighth or ninth board you've passed under.
Seen on I-270 in Maryland by a Twitter user:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F33cPXTB.jpg&hash=6ab0b06f720d2c98b97b4ca6a32c9ccfec869136)
Quote from: Bruce on January 19, 2017, 09:17:39 PM
Seen on I-270 in Maryland by a Twitter user:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F33cPXTB.jpg&hash=6ab0b06f720d2c98b97b4ca6a32c9ccfec869136)
I love it! :-D :clap:
Back in November I was driving to Cincinnati a bit after the time change and a travel time message sign indicated over 200 minutes to I-275. I experienced no delay.
Quote from: hm insulators on January 20, 2017, 01:57:03 PM
Quote from: Bruce on January 19, 2017, 09:17:39 PM
Seen on I-270 in Maryland by a Twitter user:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F33cPXTB.jpg&hash=6ab0b06f720d2c98b97b4ca6a32c9ccfec869136)
I love it! :-D :clap:
SHA proved it was a fake via Twitter
Sadly, it was proven fake. But the genuine is still pretty good (Consider Metro):
https://twitter.com/MDSHA/status/822462555679498241
Quote from: roadman on October 19, 2016, 01:22:59 PMThey shouldn't be cluttering highway signs with non-highway messages.
If the past is prologue, look for GO PATS or something similar on MA's VMS's as Super Bowl® Sunday approaches.
This weekend ADOT is doing some Super Bowl themed messages. Todays message is:
QuoteBLOW THE WHISTLE
ON
DISTRACTED DRIVING
There are more coming this weekend.
Note that ADOT also plans a Valentine's Day message as well. It will be interesting to see what they come up with.
EDIT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fktvk.images.worldnow.com%2Fimages%2F13054551_G.jpg&hash=acc981e4a6b22d9e2dd6f7ce5e738a66b73062e7)
Here is today's Super Bowl themed message from ADOT:
QuoteSPEEDING IS
UNSPORTSMANLIKE
CONDUCT
Quote from: Pink Jazz on February 04, 2017, 12:30:18 PM
Here is today's Super Bowl themed message from ADOT:
QuoteSPEEDING IS
UNSPORTSMANLIKE
CONDUCT
Nah. Speeding is more like a holding penalty or offsides. Drunk driving would be unsportsmanlike conduct, LOL. :bigass:
Man ADOT has some crafty messages I wished we got half those here..
Quote from: MikeCL on February 04, 2017, 03:17:05 PM
Man ADOT has some crafty messages I wished we got half those here..
Seems like it is newer thing. I don't remember the VMS signs having anything but the generic messages you'd expect to see during the entire duration of when I lived in Arizona. They actually probably do a good job grabbing attention because of how silly or corny they get.
Most likely so after awhile seeing the same safety message you kind of tune it out.
iPhone
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 04, 2017, 05:25:28 PM
Quote from: MikeCL on February 04, 2017, 03:17:05 PM
Man ADOT has some crafty messages I wished we got half those here..
Seems like it is newer thing. I don't remember the VMS signs having anything but the generic messages you'd expect to see during the entire duration of when I lived in Arizona. They actually probably do a good job grabbing attention because of how silly or corny they get.
For years ADOT has had its "DRIVE HAMMERED GET NAILED" message used during major holidays, however, in 2015 ADOT began to get a little more creative with its messages, starting with the "DRINKING & DRIVING GO TOGETHER LIKE PEAS AND GUAC" message used in Thanksgiving 2015.
I didn't post them here, but here are the messages that ADOT used during the days leading up to Christmas and New Years:
December 22, 2016:
QuoteAGGRESSIVE DRIVERS
BELONG ON ISLAND
OF MISFIT TOYS
December 23, 2016:
Quote
SEAT BELTS:
GIFTS THAT GIVE
THE ENTIRE YEAR
December 24, 2016:
QuoteNO SPEEDING IN THE
7 LEVELS OF THE
CANDY CANE FOREST
December 25, 2016:
QuoteYES ARIZONA THERE
IS A SEATBELT LAW
BUCKLE UP
December 30, 2016:
QuoteWE'VE GOT A FEVER
& THE ONLY CURE IS
SOBER DRIVERS
December 31, 2016:
QuoteJUST BUZZED?
NICE TRY,
THAT'S A DUI
January 1, 2017:
QuoteNEW YEAR
NEW YOU
USE YOUR BLINKER
Nice, I never thought I would see a Christopher Walken reference on a VMS. :-D
And here is today's Super Bowl themed message:
QuoteFALCONS? PATRIOTS?
WE DON'T CARE
JUST DRIVE SOBER
Oh man I love it ADOT wins hands down!
iPhone
Quote from: Pink Jazz on February 05, 2017, 10:07:43 AM
And here is today's Super Bowl themed message:
QuoteFALCONS? PATRIOTS?
WE DON'T CARE
JUST DRIVE SOBER
Or the message I saw last Friday afternoon on I-93 south of Dascomb Road:
QuoteHAVE A DESIGNATE
SUPER A SOBER
TIME DRIVER
Then, there was this in Canton (MA):
http://www.universalhub.com/2017/police-canton-have-message-nfl-commissioner
Caught this one on I-235 in West Des Moines today. It alternated between that and saying "21 TRAFFIC FATALITIES [IN IOWA] THIS YEAR."
(https://i.imgur.com/LBm9CeI.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/LBm9CeI.jpg)
Looks like ADOT is having a contest for safety messages:
http://azdot.gov/about/transportation-safety/safety-message-contest
Here was my message:
QuoteREAL MEN WEAR PINK
AND DON'T
DRINK AND DRIVE
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on February 06, 2017, 02:32:20 PM
Caught this one on I-235 in West Des Moines today. It alternated between that and saying "21 TRAFFIC FATALITIES [IN IOWA] THIS YEAR."
(https://i.imgur.com/LBm9CeI.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/LBm9CeI.jpg)
CT kinda does the same something along the lines of: 306 traffic deaths in CT this year
Quote from: Pink Jazz on February 06, 2017, 11:03:57 PM
Looks like ADOT is having a contest for safety messages:
http://azdot.gov/about/transportation-safety/safety-message-contest
Here was my message:
QuoteREAL MEN WEAR PINK
AND DON'T
DRINK AND DRIVE
Love it!
Mine was: YOU'RE NOT IN
LOS ANGELES
USE TURN SIGNAL
I had mentioned in the "Comments" that the third line could have variations ("Get off phone" for example).
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 04, 2017, 11:45:22 PM
Nice, I never thought I would see a Christopher Walken reference on a VMS. :-D
Which one was the Walken reference? :confused:
I forgot to post it, but this was ADOT's Valentine's Day message:
QuoteTAKE IT SLOW
ON VALENTINE'S DAY
OBEY SPEED LIMIT
Had to go to the MassDOT District 5 office in Taunton for a meeting today. This was posted on every CMS panel I saw early this morning between Boston and Taunton, and later in the day between Taunton and Boston:
FIREFIGHTER
JOSEPH
TOSCANO
------------
REST
IN
PEACE
It's sad whenever a firefighter dies in the line of duty, but this is getting out of hand. Especially when one of the boards coming back from Taunton was in advance of a left lane closure on Route 24 and the other boards were in advance of severely congested (15 mph max) traffic - for late morning - on the Southeast Expressway.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FTwC1y6q.jpg%3F1&hash=7fa08244c89f8b0e8e7e16f993b51e5cb9cbd4f7)
From June 2005. I didn't know then and I don't now either.
Was it the San Fernando Valley? :hmm:
Goldsby, Oklahoma, actually!
Looks like lyrics from a Michael Jackson song.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 23, 2017, 04:25:58 PM
Looks like lyrics from a Michael Jackson song.
I'M BAD
I'M BAD
SHAMONE
Quote from: jbnv on March 23, 2017, 04:54:19 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 23, 2017, 04:25:58 PM
Looks like lyrics from a Michael Jackson song.
I'M BAD
I'M BAD
SHAMONE
YOU KNOW IT
YOU KNOW IT
YOU KNOW
YOU KNOW
YOU KNOW
SHAMONE
3:15 :-D
I was thinking Bachman-Turner Overdrive's "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet." "You know you know you know you know you ain't seen nothin' yet!"
May 4th Star Wars special:
FOLLOW THE FORCE
BUT SEAT BELTS
SAVE LIVES
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftu9srvbirvvtmtukd3btzwrpys5uzxdzlm5hdglvbmfscg9zdc5jb200.g00.nationalpost.com%2Fg00%2F2_bmV3cy5uYXRpb25hbHBvc3QuY29t_%2FTU9SRVBIRVVTMTUkaHR0cDovL3dwbWVkaWEubmV3cy5uYXRpb25hbHBvc3QuY29tLzIwMTYvMTAvcXdfd2Vkb25lYml0Y2hlcy1qcGcuanBnP3F1YWxpdHk9NzUmc3RyaXA9YWxsJnc9NjIwJmkxMGMubWFyay5pbWFnZS50eXBl_%24%2F%24%2F%24%2F%24&hash=c09d4c06f5b5f819919e5e1961157bf1625b08d2)
Grammatically incorrect. Should be "We have done bitches".
Or it needs a comma - "We done, bitches"
Of course the sign being there, indicates they aren't done.
Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2017, 02:02:18 PM
Grammatically incorrect. Should be "We have done bitches".
XD Wow I think it was refereeing to the Highway Project "We Done Bitches" "We are done bitches". :spin:
I saw one on Facebook today
SEND
NUDE
PIX
Westbound I-696 west of I-75, the sign has been warning of traffic backups on the ramp to Greenfield Rd for the last 3 weeks or so. You get there, and nothing.
There are some tire skid marks going across 2 lanes into the exit lane at Greenfield. So maybe there was a backup there at one time. But if so, it's been long cleared.
Quote from: US71 on May 04, 2017, 07:54:12 PM
I saw one on Facebook today
SEND
NUDE
PIX
Saw it too. It reminds me of when some BYU students did it in Utah bashing alternative lifestyles a few years back.
Quote from: roadman65 on May 05, 2017, 07:42:45 AM
BYU students did it in Utah
he he, he he. They did it. Get it? he he, he he
Today's WisDOT message:
NONE FOR
THE ROAD
DRIVE SOBER
Ohio's, about a week ago:
TEXTING & DRIVING
IS NOT
WRECKOMMENDED
One I saw up in Yosemite yesterday on Glacier Point Roar about three miles from the overlook:
SEVERE
ROAD
DAMAGE
ONE
MILE
AHEAD
SLOW
DOWN
(REALLY)
I thought the last line was amusing and actually did the job of grabbing my attention. Unfortunately my photos of the assembly came out like crap but it was worth a quick laugh. The damage it was referring to was a minor wash out from the melting snow.
From UDOT:
(https://i.redditmedia.com/WotSP8y50Yhh0Ja0rLFtuuu84Kwi-Cb1n7ku-HPVXoI.jpg)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FegcKaLF.jpg&hash=303cd5327f7f41c4abb7785080674a5c87195299)
ADOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fktar.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F03%2Fadot-winning-freeway-signs.jpg&hash=23896f417c34843c0c7e980cfe5beccf0b308b08)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.12news.com%2Fphoto%2F2016%2F12%2F15%2Fadot%2520freeway%2520signs12_1481824233281_7353201_ver1.0.jpg&hash=67ee400673255b16419b0f8537127058f458e94b)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fresize.tegna-media.com%2Fremote%2Fcontent.12news.com%2Fphoto%2F2016%2F12%2F15%2Fadot%2520freeway%2520signs1_1481824233340_7353204_ver1.0.jpg&hash=4793c6fd5e5d848fef891a878c9ef2a650e4f0cd)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fresize.tegna-media.com%2Fremote%2Fcontent.12news.com%2Fphoto%2F2016%2F12%2F15%2Fadot%2520freeway%2520signs11_1481824234132_7353210_ver1.0.jpg%3Fpreset%3Dvideo-thumb-large&hash=c6b5f2e8a15450100944d1b3b89feb7515de55a4)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfCymNFN.jpg&hash=5b3e2cfe9e9247d992a138d785c9a59c78d2f0f1)
Quote from: GaryV on May 05, 2017, 06:20:15 AM
Westbound I-696 west of I-75, the sign has been warning of traffic backups on the ramp to Greenfield Rd for the last 3 weeks or so. You get there, and nothing.
There are some tire skid marks going across 2 lanes into the exit lane at Greenfield. So maybe there was a backup there at one time. But if so, it's been long cleared.
I sent a message to MDOT a few weeks back. The sign got changed to say the potential backups were at Evergreen, not Greenfield. They mixed up the road name of the exit where the construction was! I never got an acknowledgement from MDOT.
The newest incarnation is warning of a left lane closure farther west (which does exist).
I saw this (http://imgur.com/gallery/WdoZ8Ah) on Imgur yesterday.
Seen in Southwestern Washington on I-5, a few days before Eclipse Day.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4348/36618307582_f2bdf36258_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/XMQp5J)Solar Eclipse VMS on I-5 in Washington (https://flic.kr/p/XMQp5J) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
SCHOOL
IS
BACK
KIDS
ARE
BACK
KICK
IT
BACK!!
(no, I don't know what it means either.)
The other night, I passed by a PCMS (portable changeable message sign) that displayed Night Work Begins 10/28/17 9 PM - 5 AM.
Given that it was 11/6 when I passed the sign, you would think somebody would bother to update it.
Touching on what I said earlier in the thread, it seems that Caltrans has been dropping generic messages as of late....at least in the Central Valley. I've only really seen them on lately when there has been an Amber Alert or if there was some weather related road damage.
Quote from: roadman on November 08, 2017, 10:20:48 AM
The other night, I passed by a PCMS (portable changeable message sign) that displayed Night Work Begins 10/28/17 9 PM - 5 AM.
Given that it was 11/6 when I passed the sign, you would think somebody would bother to update it.
Happens all too often. One near me still announces 10/17 for something.
I saw one in MI (I-696 probably) with a horrible attempt at poetry. No meter, and they tried to rhyme Wicked with Ticket. And it didn't make sense either.
I saw this on I-95 entering Delaware from Pennsylvania this afternoon:
GET YOUR
HEAD OUT OF
YOUR APPS
EXIT B4U
TXT IT
Quote from: GaryV on November 08, 2017, 05:01:26 PM
I saw one in MI (I-696 probably) with a horrible attempt at poetry. No meter, and they tried to rhyme Wicked with Ticket. And it didn't make sense either.
DOT poetry is worse than Vogon poetry.
Quote from: briantroutman on November 11, 2017, 04:25:36 PM
I saw this on I-95 entering Delaware from Pennsylvania this afternoon:
GET YOUR
HEAD OUT OF
YOUR APPS
EXIT B4U
TXT IT
It was on 95 North of DE 1 as well.
And their signs have numerous bulbs that don't work as well...which is surprising being that I think they aren't bulbs but rather LED or Fiber Optics, and that sign was recently re-installed.
Reading what I saw on the first two pages about bus VMS's, I'd like to throw something in on that. I've rode MTS buses and trolleys in San Diego. MTS must be the only system in the country (if not the world) where on the front of the bus, the display reads like this:
[Route Number] [Last Stop on Route] and then below that (Via Major Stop or Street #1) then (Via Major Stop or Street #2)
With the SuperLoop, Rapid, and Rapid Express services, the first thing that appears below the last stop is the service name.
When there was a new MTS network change, there'd be something advising passersby on it after the route information, such as when the new transit store opened at 12th and Imperial Ave. downtown, or when the new Compass Cloud app came out. Oftentimes, you'd see support for the local sports teams; "GO CHARGERS!" or "GO PADRES!"
To the pit of misery:(https://i.imgur.com/UpoHV3B.jpg)
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 13, 2017, 10:55:16 AM
Quote from: briantroutman on November 11, 2017, 04:25:36 PM
I saw this on I-95 entering Delaware from Pennsylvania this afternoon:
GET YOUR
HEAD OUT OF
YOUR APPS
EXIT B4U
TXT IT
It was on 95 North of DE 1 as well.
And their signs have numerous bulbs that don't work as well...which is surprising being that I think they aren't bulbs but rather LED or Fiber Optics, and that sign was recently re-installed.
LED changeable message signs are constructed with multiple groups of small modules. Failure of one or more of these modules, which results in a "bulbs-out' effect, is not uncommon, especially with certain manufacturers. Most older fiber-optic signs are actually a fiber-optic/flip disc combination, whereby the fiber optic illumination is constant to every pixel, and the "on-off" function of the pixel is controlled by the flip-disc element.
Looking at the GSV history images for the CMS on I-95 south just north of DE 1, it appears that the original installation was a fiber-optic/flip disk sign with a walk-in cabinet (back side access), but was recently retrofitted to an LED installation. There are companies that specialize in this work, but I don't know of any state that has had long term experience with their signs.
Quote from: roadman on November 24, 2017, 09:47:09 AM
LED changeable message signs are constructed with multiple groups of small modules. Failure of one or more of these modules, which results in a "bulbs-out' effect, is not uncommon, especially with certain manufacturers. Most older fiber-optic signs are actually a fiber-optic/flip disc combination, whereby the fiber optic illumination is constant to every pixel, and the "on-off" function of the pixel is controlled by the flip-disc element.
Looking at the GSV history images for the CMS on I-95 south just north of DE 1, it appears that the original installation was a fiber-optic/flip disk sign with a walk-in cabinet (back side access), but was recently retrofitted to an LED installation. There are companies that specialize in this work, but I don't know of any state that has had long term experience with their signs.
The manufacturer of these retrofit kits is SES America. ADOT has installed this kits in their SYLVIA fiber optic signs as well. The key advantage of these kits is that they cost less than 1/3 of a brand new DMS. The main disadvantage is that they are rated for a 10-15 year service life, vs. a 20-25 year service life for a typical brand new LED DMS.
Quote from: Right on Red on August 14, 2017, 07:09:01 PM
From UDOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfCymNFN.jpg&hash=5b3e2cfe9e9247d992a138d785c9a59c78d2f0f1)
This is a good message. I was once taught in a safe driving class at work that your goal every day is ... to make it home.
Quote from: kphoger on November 24, 2017, 03:37:58 PM
Quote from: Right on Red on August 14, 2017, 07:09:01 PM
From UDOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfCymNFN.jpg&hash=5b3e2cfe9e9247d992a138d785c9a59c78d2f0f1)
This is a good message. I was once taught in a safe driving class at work that your goal every day is ... to make it home.
Interestingly that appears to be the same exact model of DMS ADOT has on some roads that they purchased from 2011 to 2016 (Skyline Full Matrix Walk-In), and that appears to be the same font used as well. ADOT has recently switched back to Daktronics (the vendor from 2006 to 2011), and now has some new full-color DMS on the field, with some installations on I-17 north of Anthem.
Saw two this weekend in the Cincinnati area:
Kentucky:
CATS? CARDS? WE ALL AGREE TO BUCKLE UP
Ohio:
TURKEY SAYS BUCKLE BUCKLE
Quote from: MASTERNC on November 25, 2017, 08:37:24 PM
Ohio:
TURKEY SAYS BUCKLE BUCKLE
MaineDOT used the exact same message over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Here were ADOT's other messages for this past weekend:
Thanksgiving DayQuoteBIRD IS THE WORD
DONT DRIVE IF YOUR
VISION'S BLURRED
Black FridayQuoteLEAVE DOORBUSTING
TO BLACK FRIDAY
DRIVE SAFELY
Saturday/SundayQuoteKEEP YOUR STUFFING
ON THE INSIDE
BUCKLE UP
Quote from: Pink Jazz on November 27, 2017, 05:27:22 PM
Here were ADOT's other messages for this past weekend:
Saturday/Sunday
QuoteKEEP YOUR STUFFING
ON THE INSIDE
BUCKLE UP
I'm surprised this one was allowed. It's a rather graphic word picture.
Minnesota had one on Monday that was something like "don't be making deals from behind the wheel" in "honor" of cyber Monday.
Quote from: Big John on November 22, 2017, 03:06:44 PM
To the pit of misery:(https://i.imgur.com/UpoHV3B.jpg)
I only barely know what this is referencing, and it still makes no damn sense.
Quote from: kphoger on November 28, 2017, 12:41:40 PM
I'm surprised this one was allowed. It's a rather graphic word picture.
Can't be much worse than this one posted by Iowa DOT one morning a couple years ago.
(https://i.imgur.com/FB4aQ74.jpg)
What a pleasant thought to start one's day. :-D
I wish Ontario would use clever messages like ADOT.
I saw this today and thought of this thread: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/york-region-road-sign-hacked-1.4425330 (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/york-region-road-sign-hacked-1.4425330)
Here's the photo from the article:
(https://i.cbc.ca/1.4425350.1511996368!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/road-sign-hack.jpg)
SPEED LIMIT 35
YOUR SPEED 33
SLOW DOWN
well, even minecrft roads are not spared from VMS messages...
(https://preview.ibb.co/dnLSwb/2018_01_01_17_40_36.png) (https://ibb.co/ioG0Gb)
Quote from: Pink Jazz on November 24, 2017, 10:50:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 24, 2017, 03:37:58 PM
Quote from: Right on Red on August 14, 2017, 07:09:01 PM
From UDOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfCymNFN.jpg&hash=5b3e2cfe9e9247d992a138d785c9a59c78d2f0f1)
This is a good message. I was once taught in a safe driving class at work that your goal every day is ... to make it home.
Interestingly that appears to be the same exact model of DMS ADOT has on some roads that they purchased from 2011 to 2016 (Skyline Full Matrix Walk-In), and that appears to be the same font used as well. ADOT has recently switched back to Daktronics (the vendor from 2006 to 2011), and now has some new full-color DMS on the field, with some installations on I-17 north of Anthem.
That's not in Utah. Utah doesn't have tall cactus like the ones on the right side of the picture. Also, I could be wrong but I believe UDOT's VMSs are all Daktronics.
Quote from: roadguy2 on January 01, 2018, 10:03:51 PM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on November 24, 2017, 10:50:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 24, 2017, 03:37:58 PM
Quote from: Right on Red on August 14, 2017, 07:09:01 PM
From UDOT:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfCymNFN.jpg&hash=5b3e2cfe9e9247d992a138d785c9a59c78d2f0f1)
This is a good message. I was once taught in a safe driving class at work that your goal every day is ... to make it home.
Interestingly that appears to be the same exact model of DMS ADOT has on some roads that they purchased from 2011 to 2016 (Skyline Full Matrix Walk-In), and that appears to be the same font used as well. ADOT has recently switched back to Daktronics (the vendor from 2006 to 2011), and now has some new full-color DMS on the field, with some installations on I-17 north of Anthem.
That's not in Utah. Utah doesn't have tall cactus like the ones on the right side of the picture. Also, I could be wrong but I believe UDOT's VMSs are all Daktronics.
As someone pointed out already, this picture is in Arizona! To whoever said this was in Utah...
Are you ok?
On speed limit 70?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FK5S0JcV.jpg&hash=e603fa24dcfca69a8047408ca30fbfc741dfddf0)
Origionally posted in the Northwest board.
Quote from: roadguy2 on January 01, 2018, 10:03:51 PM
That’s not in Utah. Utah doesn’t have tall cactus like the ones on the right side of the picture. Also, I could be wrong but I believe UDOT’s VMSs are all Daktronics.
BTW, ADOT switched back to Daktronics as of last year. There are some new Daktronics full color DMS on I-17 near Black Canyon City. Some new DMS will also be going up on the Loop 202 SanTan Freeway between Ray and Broadway (the foundations have already been installed), although I am not sure if they will be full color models.
I really enjoy American VMSs, such as this one seen on Big Rig Travels, on I-44 East of St. James MO:
New Year
Another Chance
To Drive Safely
Too bad here VMSs don't display "funny" messages, they are serious.
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on January 02, 2018, 04:13:56 AM
On speed limit 70?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FK5S0JcV.jpg&hash=e603fa24dcfca69a8047408ca30fbfc741dfddf0)
Origionally posted in the Northwest board.
Of course, the speed limit probably should be 75 or 80.
Quote from: roadguy2 on January 07, 2018, 04:39:00 PM
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on January 02, 2018, 04:13:56 AM
On speed limit 70?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FK5S0JcV.jpg&hash=e603fa24dcfca69a8047408ca30fbfc741dfddf0)
Origionally posted in the Northwest board.
Of course, the speed limit probably should be 75 or 80.
Reminds me of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kplr_UDUIM
Quote from: roadguy2 on January 07, 2018, 04:39:00 PM
Quote from: Hurricane Rex on January 02, 2018, 04:13:56 AM
On speed limit 70?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FK5S0JcV.jpg&hash=e603fa24dcfca69a8047408ca30fbfc741dfddf0)
Origionally posted in the Northwest board.
Of course, the speed limit probably should be 75 or 80.
That stretch of road is 80 in my dream plans, still 70T65 in what I want to propose though. :no:
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 07, 2018, 06:21:39 AM
I really enjoy American VMSs, such as this one seen on Big Rig Travels, on I-44 East of St. James MO:
New Year
Another Chance
To Drive Safely
Too bad here VMSs don't display "funny" messages, they are serious.
It very much varies from state to state. Missouri likes to keep theirs lit up with messages like that. When Oklahoma doesn't have anything to say, they just turn them off.
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 10, 2018, 04:56:01 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on January 07, 2018, 06:21:39 AM
I really enjoy American VMSs, such as this one seen on Big Rig Travels, on I-44 East of St. James MO:
New Year
Another Chance
To Drive Safely
Too bad here VMSs don't display "funny" messages, they are serious.
It very much varies from state to state. Missouri likes to keep theirs lit up with messages like that. When Oklahoma doesn't have anything to say, they just turn them off.
Utah has “Message Mondays” when they show funny messages like these. They also have “Fatality Fridays” where they show how many people have died on Utah roads so far that year. Otherwise, unless there’s a crash or something else to put up, they usually show driving time to certain major exits, drive time via two different routes, etc.
The VMS messages on the buses in Flint don't switch at all. They continue to say the same exact thing all day.
1 North Saginaw
2 Martin Luther King
3 Miller - Linden
4 Civic Park
5 Dupont
6 Lewis - Selby
7 Franklin
8 South Saginaw
9 Lapeer Road
10 Richfield Road
11 Fenton Road
12 Corunna - Beecher
13 Crosstown North
14 Downtown Campus
After today's false alarm in Hawaii:
(https://i.imgur.com/97sWg9b.jpg)
Quote from: Bruce on January 13, 2018, 09:23:17 PM
After today's false alarm in Hawaii:
(https://i.imgur.com/97sWg9b.jpg)
Should I feel bad for laughing uncontrollably at that?
Quote from: Bruce on January 13, 2018, 09:23:17 PM
After today's false alarm in Hawaii:
(https://i.imgur.com/97sWg9b.jpg)
Given the current circumstances, I don't think this is an "absurd" message.
Quote from: myosh_tino on January 14, 2018, 11:30:11 AM
Given the current circumstances, I don't think this is an "absurd" message.
Taken out of context though, it definitely fits.
Quote from: Bruce on January 13, 2018, 09:23:17 PM
After today's false alarm in Hawaii:
(https://i.imgur.com/97sWg9b.jpg)
That's what they WANT you to think! They really just hacked in to trick people right before sending the missiles.
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2018, 01:42:41 PM
Quote from: Bruce on January 13, 2018, 09:23:17 PM
After today's false alarm in Hawaii:
That's what they WANT you to think! They really just hacked in to trick people right before sending the missiles.
Your comment does make me question how secure these systems are, and just how plausible that scenario might actually be.
MnDOT today:
Duck, Duck, Buckle Up
A new one debuted this past week on metro Detroit VMSs:
BROKEN RIDE?
GET TO THE SIDE
STAY BELTED INSIDE
Seen in downtown Austin...
(https://i.imgur.com/KHmjFsC.jpg)
If you identify as neither, is buckling up optional?? :hmmm:
Today's safety message from ADOT:
QuoteDRIVE SAFELY
XOXO
ADOT
A friend of mine who lives in Denver took this picture today and sent it to me (via Discord)
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/409474673244504065/418620101965905920/image.png)
I saw 2 of them on I-75 south of Flint this weekend
Mackinac Bridge
Closed
Expect Delays
(was the last line really necessary?)
The bridge was closed because of ice falling from the towers and cables.
Noticed this a few days ago on a VMS on I-95 just before the PA/DE border:
SAVE WARP SPEED
FOR CAPT KIRK
SPEED LIMIT
55
Quote from: GaryV on March 01, 2018, 05:01:48 PM
I saw 2 of them on I-75 south of Flint this weekend
Mackinac Bridge
Closed
Expect Delays
(was the last line really necessary?)
The bridge was closed because of ice falling from the towers and cables.
I saw that one too.
MDOT was trying poetry again yesterday on I-696. See if I can remember it correctly - something like
BROKEN RIDE?
MOVE TO THE SIDE
STAY BUCKLED INSIDE
More brilliance from MDOT, and another reason I find its VMS messages to be next to useless. Currently displayed on I-696:
TRAVEL TIME TO
M-10 7 MI 50 MIN
I-275 16 MI 55 MIN
This is located before a weekend pavement repair project that has the road down to one lane; hence the long travel time. That's not what I'm pointing out. Note the distance and travel times between the two exits shown -- nine miles in five minutes. That would be 108 mph.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 03, 2018, 11:18:53 AM
More brilliance from MDOT, and another reason I find its VMS messages to be next to useless. Currently displayed on I-696:
TRAVEL TIME TO
M-10 7 MI 50 MIN
I-275 16 MI 55 MIN
This is located before a weekend pavement repair project that has the road down to one lane; hence the long travel time. That's not what I'm pointing out. Note the distance and travel times between the two exits shown -- nine miles in five minutes. That would be 108 mph.
Maybe it rounds everything to the nearest 5 minutes if it's above a certain number.
Quote from: 1 on March 03, 2018, 11:21:11 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 03, 2018, 11:18:53 AM
More brilliance from MDOT, and another reason I find its VMS messages to be next to useless. Currently displayed on I-696:
TRAVEL TIME TO
M-10 7 MI 50 MIN
I-275 16 MI 55 MIN
This is located before a weekend pavement repair project that has the road down to one lane; hence the long travel time. That's not what I'm pointing out. Note the distance and travel times between the two exits shown -- nine miles in five minutes. That would be 108 mph.
Maybe it rounds everything to the nearest 5 minutes if it's above a certain number.
They don't round; I often see 47 MIN or 62 MIN in rush hours and bad weather. It's more likely an idiot intern who's trying to count on his fingers and failing. As another example, there is another VMS six miles farther along and it often shows a LONGER travel time to I-275 (ten miles distant at that point) than the first VMS at 16 miles distant shows.
Ohio had this going over the weekend (or something close to it):
TURN SIGNALS:
THE ORIGINAL
INSTANT MESSAGE
Central California had this one on freeways over the weekend:
"Watch for people walking on all roadways."
I thought it might have something to do with the city of Fresno cracking down on Jaywalking until I saw the same message on CA 99 in Bakersfield yesterday.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 05, 2018, 07:19:30 AM
Central California had this one on freeways over the weekend:
"Watch for people walking on all roadways."
I thought it might have something to do with the city of Fresno cracking down on Jaywalking until I saw the same message on CA 99 in Bakersfield yesterday.
That message was plastered all over the Bay Area freeways this past weekend too. While pedestrians are forbidden on the freeways, I guess it could be argued that drivers need to be aware of work crews (Caltrans or volunteers).
Quote from: myosh_tino on March 06, 2018, 12:23:40 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 05, 2018, 07:19:30 AM
Central California had this one on freeways over the weekend:
"Watch for people walking on all roadways."
I thought it might have something to do with the city of Fresno cracking down on Jaywalking until I saw the same message on CA 99 in Bakersfield yesterday.
That message was plastered all over the Bay Area freeways this past weekend too. While pedestrians are forbidden on the freeways, I guess it could be argued that drivers need to be aware of work crews (Caltrans or volunteers).
It makes me think something happened somewhere for that message to be displayed state wide. That or it was just a slow weekend following all those snow storms in the Sierras.
After the nor'easter in the Boston area on Wednesday (3/7), MassDOT put this on their VMS's:
DON'T
CROWD
THE PLOW
Problem is, we had sideways snow during that storm, which ended up obscuring the top line of the message on some of those signs...and rendering the message as exactly the opposite of what was intended.
Slow down, or we'll call your mother: http://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/slow-down-or-well-call-your-mother/1026925657
Seen on I-295 in Rhode Island yesterday:
Buckle Up /Wear A Seat Belt With Your Bonnet
I saw these on I-29 near St. Joseph a couple weeks ago on my way to the Sweet 16 games in Omaha.
Buckle-ology
Picking Safety
To Win
Brackets Bust
Seatbelts Won't
Buckle Up
I saw this last night on Imgur (https://imgur.com/gallery/sLT9X):
(https://i.imgur.com/UXncZfm.png)
It was also posted on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/8bcteq/we_need_bob).
Quote from: Michael on April 11, 2018, 06:51:49 PM
I saw this last night on Imgur (https://imgur.com/gallery/sLT9X):
(https://i.imgur.com/UXncZfm.png)
It was also posted on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/8bcteq/we_need_bob).
RI's
confused comedic attempt to inform drivers about Work Zone Awareness Week perhaps.
Quote from: roadman on April 20, 2018, 12:28:19 PM
Quote from: Michael on April 11, 2018, 06:51:49 PM
I saw this last night on Imgur (https://imgur.com/gallery/sLT9X):
(https://i.imgur.com/UXncZfm.png)
It was also posted on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/8bcteq/we_need_bob).
RI's confused attempt to inform drivers about Work Zone Awareness Week perhaps.
I wouldn't say confused, so much as a comedic attempt that likely went sailing over many people's heads.
I'm surprised no one has jumped on a recent story out of Seattle. For some reason, a VMS on I-5 displayed the message "U SUCK" to motorists. Here's a link to the story which includes a photo of the sign... https://sso.cmgdigital.com/static/server.html?origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kiro7.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fu-suck-appears-on-i-5-traffic-sign%2F734138678
This was on VMSs in Metro Detroit a week or so ago:
A STEERING WHEEL
IS NOT A
HANDS-FREE DEVICE
I saw these all across I-80 in Nebraska on Friday. It seems like a sad attempt at a rhyme :pan:
(https://i.imgur.com/IGDHEm8l.jpg)
There's a new VMS on I-49 near the 412 bip-pass:
Drive Hammered
Get Nailed
Quote from: US71 on April 30, 2018, 04:12:32 PM
There's a new VMS on I-49 near the 412 bip-pass:
Drive Hammered
Get Nailed
This apparently was copied from ADOT.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on April 30, 2018, 07:46:28 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 30, 2018, 04:12:32 PM
There's a new VMS on I-49 near the 412 bip-pass:
Drive Hammered
Get Nailed
This apparently was copied from ADOT.
ARDOT admits they are copying (https://www.thv11.com/article/news/traffic/highway-ha-ha-catching-attention-of-arkansas-drivers-to-push-serious-safety-message/91-547373071) other states
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 12, 2016, 01:23:01 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on September 12, 2016, 01:06:07 PM
Quote from: DevalDragon on September 10, 2016, 11:57:28 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on September 10, 2016, 01:49:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 10, 2016, 12:46:40 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I have no idea what it even means. Good job, MassDOT. For all I know, OUI is a political organization and MassDOT is telling me not to vote for them.
Besides, the common parlance around here is DUI, not OUI.
We use DWI down in Texas.
I believe they mean different things. I think one is alcohol, while the other is alcohol or other drugs. Don't remember which one is which, though
Driving While Intoxicated
Driving Under (the) Influence.
I believe DUI is more broad than DWI.
Letters D and O are not even close from each other on the keyboard, so maybe OUI means Operating Under Influence?
Just askin'...
Quote from: Richard3 on May 01, 2018, 01:57:15 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 12, 2016, 01:23:01 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on September 12, 2016, 01:06:07 PM
Quote from: DevalDragon on September 10, 2016, 11:57:28 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on September 10, 2016, 01:49:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 10, 2016, 12:46:40 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 07, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
"OUI RUINS LIVES"
MassDOT should learn that punctuation matters, as I don't understand why French affirmatives ruin lives.
I have no idea what it even means. Good job, MassDOT. For all I know, OUI is a political organization and MassDOT is telling me not to vote for them.
Besides, the common parlance around here is DUI, not OUI.
We use DWI down in Texas.
I believe they mean different things. I think one is alcohol, while the other is alcohol or other drugs. Don't remember which one is which, though
Driving While Intoxicated
Driving Under (the) Influence.
I believe DUI is more broad than DWI.
Letters D and O are not even close from each other on the keyboard, so maybe OUI means Operating Under Influence?
Just askin'...
Yes, the "O" stands for "Operating". But not all drunk drivers are surgeons! :)
DUI - Driving under the influence
OUI - Operating under the influence
DWI - Driving while intoxicated
The specific acronym used in each state has much to do with how that particular state's laws are phrased.
Quote from: roadman on May 01, 2018, 01:48:51 PM
DUI - Driving under the influence
OUI - Operating under the influence
DWI - Driving while intoxicated
The specific acronym used in each state has much to do with how that particular state's laws are phrased.
There's also DUII, which is driving under the influence of intoxicants.
Also, some states have BUI or CUI -- biking/cycling under the influence.
Seen this morning on a VMS along WB I-66 in Arlington VA, between Lee Hwy. (US 29) and Glebe Rd. (VA 120):
MAY THE 4TH
BE WITH YOU
DRIVE SAFELY
Alas, by the time I went back there with my camera, the afternoon rush was approaching, and the VMS was changed to toll-related messages. After the tolls ended for the day, and also in the EB lanes both afternoon and evening, the VMSes just showed travel times.
Rhode Island had something about drunk driving leading to the Dark Side. I suppose that's better than an earlier message about drunk driving having a Ripple effect. That message was tailor made for the late Fred Sanford.
I don't know if I'm glad that other states have absurd VMS messages. Frankly,I'm more interested in how long it takes to get to Providence or the CT/RI border.
Quote from: jon daly on May 04, 2018, 07:59:52 PM
Rhode Island had something about drunk driving leading to the Dark Side.
December 2016 on I-55, courtesy of AHTD / ARDOT around the time Rouge One was to debut in theaters:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/33708435005_2e39c34d34_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TmGxkT)
Well this is from back when it snowed here in Texas this winter.
(https://i.imgur.com/OrB0uTA.jpg)
Missouri never fails to disappoint. Or, rather, it always manages to disappoint.
I saw this one yesterday on I-35:
#BUPD
Buckle Up
Phone Down
Seriously?? A hashtag?? Are we trying to be cool??
Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2018, 01:25:39 PM
Missouri never fails to disappoint. Or, rather, it always manages to disappoint.
I saw this one yesterday on I-35:
#BUPD
Buckle Up
Phone Down
Seriously?? A hashtag?? Are we trying to be cool??
And by using a hashtag, they may inadvertently be encouraging DWT (Driving While Texting), a/k/a OWT (Operating While Texting).
Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 29, 2018, 11:56:17 PM
This was on VMSs in Metro Detroit a week or so ago:
A STEERING WHEEL
IS NOT A
HANDS-FREE DEVICE
But Louisiana has "Hands Free" Zones ;)
Quote from: SSR_317 on May 21, 2018, 10:55:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2018, 01:25:39 PM
Missouri never fails to disappoint. Or, rather, it always manages to disappoint.
I saw this one yesterday on I-35:
#BUPD
Buckle Up
Phone Down
Seriously?? A hashtag?? Are we trying to be cool??
And by using a hashtag, they may inadvertently be encouraging DWT (Driving While Texting), a/k/a OWT (Operating While Texting).
I know in ADOT's Safety Message Contest, they actually said no to submissions containing hashtags.
Taken last Saturday near Centreville, IL. Blurred by the rain, but still readable.
(https://i0.wp.com/richard3.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/img_0647-1.jpg?ssl=1&w=450)
For those who can't read, it's written:
CARS HAVE BUMPERS
BIKERS HAVE BONES
SHARE THE ROAD |
Quote from: Richard3 on May 21, 2018, 10:14:19 PM
Taken last Saturday near Centreville, IL. Blurred by the rain, but still readable.
(https://i0.wp.com/richard3.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/img_0647-1.jpg?ssl=1&w=450)
For those who can't read, it's written:
CARS HAVE BUMPERS
BIKERS HAVE BONES
SHARE THE ROAD |
Display a cyclist safety message on a road where cyclists aren't legally allowed to travel. No wonder they call the agency IDIOT. (In fairness, MassDOT's done the same thing - but with a more conventional message - in the past.)
Quote from: roadman on May 22, 2018, 02:34:59 PM
Quote from: Richard3 on May 21, 2018, 10:14:19 PM
Taken last Saturday near Centreville, IL. Blurred by the rain, but still readable.
(https://i0.wp.com/richard3.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/img_0647-1.jpg?ssl=1&w=450)
For those who can't read, it's written:
CARS HAVE BUMPERS
BIKERS HAVE BONES
SHARE THE ROAD |
Display a cyclist safety message on a road where cyclists aren't legally allowed to travel. No wonder they call the agency IDIOT. (In fairness, MassDOT's done the same thing - but with a more conventional message - in the past.)
They're referring to motorcycles.
Many states have a similar message.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 22, 2018, 02:55:34 PM
Quote from: roadman on May 22, 2018, 02:34:59 PM
Quote from: Richard3 on May 21, 2018, 10:14:19 PM
Taken last Saturday near Centreville, IL. Blurred by the rain, but still readable.
(https://i0.wp.com/richard3.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/img_0647-1.jpg?ssl=1&w=450)
For those who can't read, it's written:
CARS HAVE BUMPERS
BIKERS HAVE BONES
SHARE THE ROAD |
Display a cyclist safety message on a road where cyclists aren't legally allowed to travel. No wonder they call the agency IDIOT. (In fairness, MassDOT's done the same thing - but with a more conventional message - in the past.)
They're referring to motorcycles.
Many states have a similar message.
D'oh! Thanks for the clarification. Around here, 'bikers' and 'cyclists' are used interchangeably to describe bicycle riders. And "Share The Road" is normally used by DOTs and others in reference to bicycles, not motorcycles. Hence my confusion.
It seems each state's DOT is trying to outdo each other in coming up with these catchy rhymes. Perhaps there should be a contest for the best & worst, called the "Burma Shave Signs Memorial" competition. :D
Quote from: roadman on May 22, 2018, 03:00:39 PM
Around here, 'bikers' and 'cyclists' are used interchangeably to describe bicycle riders.
Your area's biker bars must look–and smell–a lot different. :D
Seen in Austin, TX:
AWW SNAP
YOUR SEAT BELT
Proceeding:
[TX TRAFFIC DEATHS COUNT]
DAD KNOWS BEST
GIVE THE PHONE
A REST
Seen along US 60 west of Friona, TX (on Father's Day Weekend)
You guys know there is a center text function, right? It is: ["center" ]["/center" ] (delete the "" ).
This was in Ohio over the weekend:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/31b7f64977d62e13c82c95bf86b72ab8.jpg)
Quote from: 6a on June 25, 2018, 08:27:46 PM
This was in Ohio over the weekend:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/31b7f64977d62e13c82c95bf86b72ab8.jpg)
Adam-4, calling a code 3 for reckless driving, vehicle is a DeLorean, silver in color, license reads: O-U-T-A-T-I-M-E, picked him up on radar going 88 mph.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/320570b313417fe9478ebb9798e11642.jpg)
Cringy one from IDOT a few weeks back.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/5d94ef23bbd41be875ce0b9adde81274.jpg)
This one as well
Quote from: tribar on June 25, 2018, 10:34:59 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/320570b313417fe9478ebb9798e11642.jpg)
Cringy one from IDOT a few weeks back.
Saw this and laughed out loud exiting at Sayre lol
Found this on Instagram from the 4th...I guess this is what happens when millennials are in charge of VMS messages?
Anyone know where this was taken??
(https://i.imgur.com/2cKtz0R.png)
A friend of mine who was a cross-county 18-wheeler trucker said she saw those last year, and only in Utah.
Maryland used this one over the past V-Day --
TO: DRIVER
FROM: SEATBELT
I THINK WE CLICK
Quote from: zzyzx on July 05, 2018, 02:08:35 PM
Found this on Instagram from the 4th...I guess this is what happens when millennials are in charge of VMS messages?
Anyone know where this was taken??
(https://i.imgur.com/2cKtz0R.png)
I saw one of those the other day in Virginia.
SM-G930V
A friend of mine sent me one from Iowa
SURELY YOU BUCKLE?
YES & DON'T CALL
ME SHIRLEY
When I look at the simulation of all of Maryland's VMS signs (http://chart.maryland.gov/travinfo/dmsSigns.asp), I see there's currently only one pithy rhyme.
CT does nothing it's all the same
Quote from: roadman on July 10, 2018, 11:09:48 AM
A friend of mine sent me one from Iowa
SURELY YOU BUCKLE?
YES & DON'T CALL
ME SHIRLEY
Obviously coined by a fan of the film "Airplane!"
There was one message in Utah where some wiseass figured how to reprogram the construction VMS on I-15 to say a homophobic message a few years back. I think that has to be the most absurd message one could ever do on a public road sign.
^^ Or this hacked VMS in Austin TX: (https://secure.i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01290/zombie_1290011c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180713/81c365536c6158e97d039c530a4c668d.jpg)
"No ketchup" ??? That makes no sense.
Quote from: tckma on July 16, 2018, 07:31:17 AM
"No ketchup" ??? That makes no sense.
It's considered a sin to put ketchup on hot dogs in the city of Chicago. That's what it's referring to it.
Quote from: tribar on July 16, 2018, 11:04:44 AM
Quote from: tckma on July 16, 2018, 07:31:17 AM
"No ketchup" ??? That makes no sense.
It's considered a sin to put ketchup on hot dogs in the city of Chicago. That's what it's referring to it.
That should read "it is a sin to put ketchup on hot dogs". :)
Three guesses which state this is in:
(https://i.imgur.com/o4md7vA.jpg)
Ugh. "Wicked" is so overused now.
First guess: Kansas (Wizard of Oz theme)
Quote from: Big John on July 17, 2018, 06:15:39 PM
First guess: Kansas (Wizard of Oz theme)
While I have no definitive proof (it's not my photo), I am pretty sure it's not.
Quote from: tribar on July 13, 2018, 12:29:53 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180713/81c365536c6158e97d039c530a4c668d.jpg)
I saw an actual picture of that one from the Expressway, shared on facebook. It made me chuckle
Someone @ IDOT District 1 understands no ketchup on a hot dog, at least!
^
This is the least absurd message.
(hint - it's blank)
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on July 17, 2018, 12:26:34 AM
Quote from: tribar on July 16, 2018, 11:04:44 AM
Quote from: tckma on July 16, 2018, 07:31:17 AM
"No ketchup" ??? That makes no sense.
It's considered a sin to put ketchup on hot dogs in the city of Chicago. That's what it's referring to it.
That should read "it is a sin to put ketchup on hot dogs". :)
HOT DOG?
DON'T BE ONE
_______________
HOT DOGS
NO KETCHUP
ON THEM
I don't like ketchup on hot dogs, but now I'm tempted to use hamburger relish on one.
Quote from: Duke87 on July 17, 2018, 12:45:09 AM
Three guesses which state this is in:
(https://i.imgur.com/o4md7vA.jpg)
Massachusetts
Quote from: allniter89 on July 19, 2018, 12:07:37 AM
Quote from: Duke87 on July 17, 2018, 12:45:09 AM
Three guesses which state this is in:
(https://i.imgur.com/o4md7vA.jpg)
Massachusetts
I think it's Massachusetts, too. However, there's a small chance of it being Rhode Island.
And here it is in action! Heading northbound into Chicago on the Dan Ryan a few days ago.
(https://i.imgur.com/cnJM9IJ.jpg)
COMM AVE
BRIDGE
FRIDAY
IT'S COMING
IT'S
BAD
In reference to this: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2018/07/22/brace-for-travel-delays-as-comm-ave-bridge-construction-begins
Quote from: spooky on July 24, 2018, 09:02:35 AM
COMM AVE
BRIDGE
FRIDAY
IT'S COMING
IT'S
BAD
In reference to this: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2018/07/22/brace-for-travel-delays-as-comm-ave-bridge-construction-begins
Do you happen to recall on what road you spotted this message? Update: Just saw a tweet from MassDOT showing this message.
Quote from: roadman on July 24, 2018, 12:26:46 PM
Quote from: spooky on July 24, 2018, 09:02:35 AM
COMM AVE
BRIDGE
FRIDAY
IT'S COMING
IT'S
BAD
In reference to this: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2018/07/22/brace-for-travel-delays-as-comm-ave-bridge-construction-begins
Do you happen to recall on what road you spotted this message? Update: Just saw a tweet from MassDOT showing this message.
It was on I-93 SB around Route 24. Today it was different, don't remember exactly but something with the word wicked.
Quote from: spooky on July 25, 2018, 11:12:36 AM
Today it was different, don't remember exactly but something with the word wicked.
COMM AVE
BRIDGE
FRIDAY
WICKED
BAD
TRAVEL
Update: MassDOT's latest Twitter posting now has this variation on the second frame:
WICKED
TOUGH
TRAVELS
I'm surprised that the FHWA hasn't yet clamped down on this amateur night silliness.
A more conventional message was displayed yesterday afternoon:
COMM AVE
BRIDGE
TONIGHT
EXPECT
DELAYS
It was "WICKED TOUGH TRAVELS" that I saw Wednesday morning. The sign was blank Thursday and Friday morning.
Quote from: spooky on July 27, 2018, 09:40:00 AM
It was "WICKED TOUGH TRAVELS" that I saw Wednesday morning. The sign was blank Thursday and Friday morning.
Which tells me they've backed off from the usual practice of plastering these messages on every available sign.
That awful wording could also have been Maine. Ayuh!
This might have been posted already, but I saw this picture on Facebook today posted by a friend who said it was from Oklahoma.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/941/28875619077_62d159ebdc_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KZD6xk)keke (https://flic.kr/p/KZD6xk) by Modern Day Warrior (https://www.flickr.com/photos/163585216@N06/), on Flickr
Quote from: ModernDayWarrior on August 02, 2018, 06:18:42 PM
This might have been posted already, but I saw this picture on Facebook today posted by a friend who said it was from Oklahoma.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/941/28875619077_62d159ebdc_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KZD6xk)keke (https://flic.kr/p/KZD6xk) by Modern Day Warrior (https://www.flickr.com/photos/163585216@N06/), on Flickr
Yessir, I-35 S x 27
th St.
The A-Hed is a column that has traditionally featured lighter/human interest stories on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. A-Hed columns years ago are actually how I found out that there were others who counted counties, and how I was introduced to the old m.t.r. newsgroup.
Well, A-Hed has done it again. Today's column (paywalled, sadly): https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-best-one-liners-in-america-are-on-the-highway-1533829593
QuoteDaniel Taylor, a traffic-operations specialist at the Virginia Department of Transportation, was lying in bed at home one night in March, jotting down ideas for highway safety signs.
"Which is a little odd," he says.
Inspiration struck. Why not use the "Black Panther" movie to nag drivers? Days later, 120 large electronic billboards along major Virginia interstates beamed the bulletin: "Wakanda Driver are You? Safety is King."
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 09, 2018, 01:43:23 PM
The A-Hed is a column that has traditionally featured lighter/human interest stories on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. A-Hed columns years ago are actually how I found out that there were others who counted counties, and how I was introduced to the old m.t.r. newsgroup.
Well, A-Hed has done it again. Today's column (paywalled, sadly): https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-best-one-liners-in-america-are-on-the-highway-1533829593
Quote from: Wall Street Journal
Daniel Taylor, a traffic-operations specialist at the Virginia Department of Transportation, was lying in bed at home one night in March, jotting down ideas for highway safety signs.
"Which is a little odd," he says.
Inspiration struck. Why not use the "Black Panther" movie to nag drivers? Days later, 120 large electronic billboards along major Virginia interstates beamed the bulletin: "Wakanda Driver are You? Safety is King."
Lol, Nice!
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 09, 2018, 01:43:23 PM
The A-Hed is a column that has traditionally featured lighter/human interest stories on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. A-Hed columns years ago are actually how I found out that there were others who counted counties, and how I was introduced to the old m.t.r. newsgroup.
Well, A-Hed has done it again. Today's column (paywalled, sadly): https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-best-one-liners-in-america-are-on-the-highway-1533829593
Quote from: Wall Street Journal
Daniel Taylor, a traffic-operations specialist at the Virginia Department of Transportation, was lying in bed at home one night in March, jotting down ideas for highway safety signs.
"Which is a little odd," he says.
Inspiration struck. Why not use the "Black Panther" movie to nag drivers? Days later, 120 large electronic billboards along major Virginia interstates beamed the bulletin: "Wakanda Driver are You? Safety is King."
Lol, Nice!
Quote from: briantroutman on July 26, 2018, 11:06:22 AM
I'm surprised that the FHWA hasn't yet clamped down on this amateur night silliness.
Given the current regime in charge of the Federal Government, I'm surprised they haven't removed the (totally legitimate) ban on using variable message highway signs for advertising purposes. Though that's probably in the works.
Ohio's today:
CAMP IN
OHIO'S STATE PARKS
NOT THE LEFT LANE
Gotta love Arizona's VMSs. This one was a few days ago on Southbound I-15 just after entering from Utah:
CRAZY IN LOVE
WITH DRIVERS WHO
USE TURN SIGNALS
This means ADOT is crazy in love with me :sombrero:, even though I haven't been ever nowhere near AZ.
Ohio's latest
CAMP IN OHIO PARKS
NOT THE LEFT LANE
I had to explain it to my friend.....
Seen on eastbound I-80 when I was returning home from Morris:
QUIT SMILING
AT YOUR LAP
DROP IT AND DRIVE
:-D
Quote from: US71 on April 30, 2018, 04:12:32 PM
There's a new VMS on I-49 near the 412 bip-pass:
Drive Hammered
Get Nailed
It sounds like the state of Arkansas is encouraging drunk driving and casual sex.
"Drive hammered, get nailed? Hey, that's a good idea!"
Quote from: Super Mateo on September 27, 2018, 07:34:32 AM
Seen on eastbound I-80 when I was returning home from Morris:
QUIT SMILING
AT YOUR LAP
DROP IT AND DRIVE
:-D
I saw this on the VMS going northbound on I-55 near US6, but I couldn't get a photo in time. It's pretty great haha
Quote from: tribar on June 25, 2018, 10:34:59 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/320570b313417fe9478ebb9798e11642.jpg)
Cringy one from IDOT a few weeks back.
God, this one still makes me cringe.
Drops Phone.
Falls by feet.
Oh, crap.
Some new ones in Texas:
Horns Up, Phones Down, Don't Text and Drive;
Don't Text 'em, Gig 'em
.... and a few other college teams that are escaping my memory at the moment...
Apparently, the Maine DOT is using messages like these along I-95/Maine Turnpike and/or I-295 right now.
(https://i.imgur.com/3rMC27O.jpg)
Yesterday on the Kansas Turnpike, the VMSes were displaying...
THINK YOU CAN PASS
LIKE A CHIEFS QB
THINK AGAIN
SLOW DOWN
or...
SCORE
A
TOUCHDOWN
GET
A
KTAG
Just got back from a quick trip to MSP.
VMSes read something along the lines of:
GET A DWI
YOUR BROOMSTICK WONT FLY
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on October 31, 2018, 02:16:26 PM
Just got back from a quick trip to MSP.
VMSes read something along the lines of:
GET A DWI
YOUR BROOMSTICK WONT FLY
How do they do that, anyway? Make you blow into a tube before the ignition will unlock?
Don't get smashed, You're not a pumpkin *Delaware 95*
iPhone
Good one from WSDOT's East Division:
https://twitter.com/WSDOT_East/status/1063212665349099520
Quote from: Bruce on November 23, 2018, 08:37:34 PM
Good one from WSDOT's East Division:
https://twitter.com/WSDOT_East/status/1063212665349099520
If that's an intentional Simpsons reference, it's even better.
"Drive sober, you're not a turkey" .
iPhone
Today the boards on I-12 are sporting this message: "THERE IS NO REINDEER NAMED SPEEDY." LaDOTD has taken to putting witticisms on its boards in recent years. Guess they can't be bothered with pedestrian stuff like travel times.
MnDOT today, 12/24:
DON WE NOW
OUR FASTENED SEATBELT
FA LA LA LA LA LA
Florida's Turnpike this week has overhead VMSs saying "Don't Drive If You're Tipsy, Buzzed, or Blitzen."
The portable units said, and I like this, "CAMP IN STATE PARKS, NOT THE LEFT LANE." Didn't make much impression on most people, naturally.
This past weekend, some Ohio signs read, "LIKE PRESENTS? WRAP YOURSELF IN A SEATBELT"
"DON"T DRINK AND DRIVE" "ONLY RUDOLPH SHOULD DRIVE LIT"
NEW YEAR'S
RESOLUTION
DRIVE SOBER
on Wisconsin signs.
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2018, 08:10:23 PM
NEW YEAR'S
RESOLUTION
DRIVE SOBER
on Wisconsin signs.
LaDOTD's resolution is buckling up. Is that really still that much of a problem? It's been illegal to drive unbuckled for over 30 years now.
Quote from: jbnv on December 31, 2018, 08:12:31 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2018, 08:10:23 PM
NEW YEAR'S
RESOLUTION
DRIVE SOBER
on Wisconsin signs.
LaDOTD's resolution is buckling up. Is that really still that much of a problem? It's been illegal to drive unbuckled for over 30 years now.
Yep. A vocal minority of people go "I won't buckle, because it's what government wants."
In Virginia, on Christmas eve...
HO HO HOLD UP
SLOW
YOUR SLEIGH
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 31, 2018, 08:58:44 PM
Quote from: jbnv on December 31, 2018, 08:12:31 PM
Quote from: Big John on December 31, 2018, 08:10:23 PM
NEW YEAR'S
RESOLUTION
DRIVE SOBER
on Wisconsin signs.
LaDOTD's resolution is buckling up. Is that really still that much of a problem? It's been illegal to drive unbuckled for over 30 years now.
Yep. A vocal minority of people go "I won't buckle, because it's what government wants."
Even though I personally buckle up every single time it's practical (with the only exceptions being riding in the back of a pickup, too many crammed into a bench seat, that kind of thing) and also insist that my children do too... I can appreciate people's disdain for a law that prohibits doing something which has zero potential for harming another. I can definitely understand the thinking that, if you want to risk life and limb by not buckling up, then that should be your right as a free citizen of a free country. About the only way I can think of that affecting anyone besides yourself is that, if you cause a wreck, your seal belt saving your life can also allow you to lend aid to injured or trapped passengers. But we're allowed to smoke ourselves to death, drink ourselves to death, run with scissors, jump out of airplanes, you name it–yet we're not allowed to forego a seat belt.
The other issue with seatbelt laws that I have - is when your state says its legal to ride/operate a motorcycle with no helmet, but illegal to ride/operate a car or truck with no seatbelt
That is completely hypocritical. Either both should be legal or both should be illegal
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 03:31:56 PMzero potential for harming another.
I bet it does tremendous psychological harm to the driver of the car that kills them.
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 03:31:56 PMI can definitely understand the thinking that, if you want to risk life and limb by not buckling up, then that should be your right as a free citizen of a free country.
I can understand a five-year-old who doesn't want to eat their vegetables thinking like that, but not an adult.
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 03:31:56 PMBut we're allowed to smoke ourselves to death, drink ourselves to death, run with scissors, jump out of airplanes, you name it–yet we're not allowed to forego a seat belt.
There are numerous private and public organizations that are willing to help citizens not drink or smoke themselves to death. We regulate the shit out of skydiving.
The national average for seatbelt use is 90%. In New Hampshire (seatbelts are only required for those under 18, and I'm unsure about commercial drivers), it's 70%.
I'm just providing data; feel free to interpret it yourself.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190101/ad1c9134623287386c7246523fda4413.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190101/d0fee84d6070f57f0c3cac78f3016d89.jpg)
Quote from: 6a on January 01, 2019, 04:04:11 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190101/ad1c9134623287386c7246523fda4413.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190101/d0fee84d6070f57f0c3cac78f3016d89.jpg)
Congrats to Ohio, making it thru New Years Morning without a fatal car wreck
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 03:45:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 03:31:56 PM
I can definitely understand the thinking that, if you want to risk life and limb by not buckling up, then that should be your right as a free citizen of a free country.
I can understand a five-year-old who doesn't want to eat their vegetables thinking like that, but not an adult.
You confused not wanting to do something with not thinking it should be prohibited. There are plenty of people who personally choose to wear seat belts but still think it should be their right to not wear one
if they so choose.
~ or ~
I'm a grown adult, but I don't want the government forcing me to eat my vegetables.
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 04:29:07 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 03:45:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 03:31:56 PM
I can definitely understand the thinking that, if you want to risk life and limb by not buckling up, then that should be your right as a free citizen of a free country.
I can understand a five-year-old who doesn't want to eat their vegetables thinking like that, but not an adult.
You confused not wanting to do something with not thinking it should be prohibited. There are plenty of people who personally choose to wear seat belts but still think it should be their right to not wear one if they so choose.
~ or ~
I'm a grown adult, but I don't want the government forcing me to eat my vegetables.
I have vague notions towards believing a responsible society shouldn't allow its citizens to willingly and knowingly harm themselves, but I'm not sure of the best mechanisms to do that, nor (before the usual suspects start foaming at the mouth) am I advocating totalitarianism.
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 03:31:56 PM
Even though I personally buckle up every single time it's practical (with the only exceptions being riding in the back of a pickup, too many crammed into a bench seat, that kind of thing) and also insist that my children do too... I can appreciate people's disdain for a law that prohibits doing something which has zero potentia=l for harming another.
on the contrary - an unbuckled passenger becomes a projectile in the car, and can cause significant injuries to the driver or other passengers.
sources: plenty (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=unbuckled+passenger+video)
Quote from: odditude on January 01, 2019, 08:28:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 03:31:56 PM
Even though I personally buckle up every single time it's practical (with the only exceptions being riding in the back of a pickup, too many crammed into a bench seat, that kind of thing) and also insist that my children do too... I can appreciate people's disdain for a law that prohibits doing something which has zero potentia=l for harming another.
on the contrary - an unbuckled passenger becomes a projectile in the car, and can cause significant injuries to the driver or other passengers.
sources: plenty (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=unbuckled+passenger+video)
So why am I allowed to have cargo that's not tied down?
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 08:48:13 PM
Quote from: odditude on January 01, 2019, 08:28:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 03:31:56 PM
Even though I personally buckle up every single time it's practical (with the only exceptions being riding in the back of a pickup, too many crammed into a bench seat, that kind of thing) and also insist that my children do too... I can appreciate people's disdain for a law that prohibits doing something which has zero potentia=l for harming another.
on the contrary - an unbuckled passenger becomes a projectile in the car, and can cause significant injuries to the driver or other passengers.
sources: plenty (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=unbuckled+passenger+video)
So why am I allowed to have cargo that's not tied down?
Does the cargo have family that will grieve after its contents are spilled all over the road?
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 09:11:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 01, 2019, 08:48:13 PM
So why am I allowed to have cargo that's not tied down?
Does the cargo have family that will grieve after its contents are spilled all over the road?
Another thing that's worth mentioning is that you're supposed to secure any cargo you're carrying. Enforcement of that is both difficult and pretty lax, however, at least with passenger vehicles.
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 01, 2019, 09:39:05 PM
you're supposed to secure any cargo you're carrying.
Is that codified into law? You're telling me that, if I have a suitcase sitting on the back seat of my car, then I should have it buckled up just like a human being?
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 09:11:46 PM
Does the cargo have family that will grieve after its contents are spilled all over the road?
A projectile in car poses a safety hazard to others. Grieving family members do not.
This is now totally off topic, and I think we should all just get back to absurd VMS signs.
Quote from: kphoger on January 02, 2019, 12:46:08 PM
This is now totally off topic, and I think we should all just get back to absurd VMS signs.
On I-395 this morning, I saw one that read: "DON'T DROP THE BALL ON DRIVING SOBER."
Quote from: kphoger on January 02, 2019, 12:46:08 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 01, 2019, 09:39:05 PM
you're supposed to secure any cargo you're carrying.
Is that codified into law? You're telling me that, if I have a suitcase sitting on the back seat of my car, then I should have it buckled up just like a human being?
Properly secured does not necessarily equate to being tied down. In this case, "properly secured" is probably as easy as putting it in the trunk instead.
To be honest, I'm not sure if it is codified into law though. I remember being taught that in drivers' ed, for whatever that's worth.
You're also right that this is probably enough of a digression. :)
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 02, 2019, 07:13:29 PM
Properly secured does not necessarily equate to being tied down. In this case, "properly secured" is probably as easy as putting it in the trunk instead.
I haven't owned a vehicle with a trunk since 2007.
Whether or not unsecured cargo is a criminal offense, you'd probably be found negligent and be liable for any damages it caused.
So, yesterday morning I was driving to work on I-85 north of Atlanta, and there was a VMS between Jimmy Carter and Spaghetti Junction displaying, IIRC, "Texting while driving is illegal in Georgia." Except on the top lines, there were a few green pixels along with the usual off white. Malfunction? No. It was a green dick and balls, vertical, the same height as the letters.
So, I was doing another of my "find the photo location" self-challenges, and came across this VMS message on Street View: https://goo.gl/maps/gNudxjusDK62
Rather interesting, given the proximity to Donner Pass...
We've gotten more pith about speeding since the New Year.
I'm calling it now: If the Saints win the Super Bowl, we'll get VMS messages urging us to "BE A SAINT" or "DRIVE LIKE A CHAMPION" followed by something about reducing speed, driving sober, not texting while driving, etc.
Quote from: jbnv on January 16, 2019, 04:33:31 PM
We've gotten more pith about speeding since the New Year.
I'm calling it now: If the Saints win the Super Bowl, we'll get VMS messages urging us to "BE A SAINT" or "DRIVE LIKE A CHAMPION" followed by something about reducing speed, driving sober, not texting while driving, etc.
Instead, you get this (and it's correct, too):
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190123/3e33ea218bb7004a48ccfae15a850ebd.jpg)
To be fair, I haven't seen anything like that on I-12 since Sunday (I commute from Hammond to Baton Rouge). I don't know if DOTD operates the VMSs on the Causeway.
This morning: "OBEY THE SIGN OR PAY THE FINE." (With traffic whizzing by at 10+mph over the posted limit.)
Ironically, this is a major election year with the governor and legislature up. IDK about you, but silly platitudes about law enforcement do not endear me to the current administration.
Quote from: jbnv on January 28, 2019, 09:51:16 AM
This morning: "OBEY THE SIGN OR PAY THE FINE." (With traffic whizzing by at 10+mph over the posted limit.)
Ironically, this is a major election year with the governor and legislature up. IDK about you, but silly platitudes about law enforcement do not endear me to the current administration.
How do you know it was referring to speed limit signs?
Saw one yesterday on the Edens that was something along the lines of "less 'Life In The Fast Lane,' more 'Take It Easy'"
Quote from: 1 on January 28, 2019, 10:34:37 AM
Quote from: jbnv on January 28, 2019, 09:51:16 AM
This morning: "OBEY THE SIGN OR PAY THE FINE." (With traffic whizzing by at 10+mph over the posted limit.)
Ironically, this is a major election year with the governor and legislature up. IDK about you, but silly platitudes about law enforcement do not endear me to the current administration.
How do you know it was referring to speed limit signs?
You're right, I don't know for certain that it's referring to speed limits. That's the first thing I thought of, particularly since I-12 between Baton Rouge and Hammond is a popular stretch for speed traps. It could be referring to all of the regulatory signs on Louisiana highways. Either way, it seems like a really bad way to get people to comply with the law.
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 28, 2019, 10:55:40 AM
Saw one yesterday on the Edens that was something along the lines of "less 'Life In The Fast Lane,' more 'Take It Easy'"
I actually thought this one was clever. Most of IDOT's are cringeworthy.
I don't want any "cute" messages on the VMS. Give me information, possibly an admonition, or else nothing.
Quote from: tribar on January 28, 2019, 06:30:20 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 28, 2019, 10:55:40 AM
Saw one yesterday on the Edens that was something along the lines of "less 'Life In The Fast Lane,' more 'Take It Easy'"
I actually thought this one was clever. Most of IDOT's are cringeworthy.
It's only clever if you're familiar with the Eagles.
Quote from: kphoger on January 29, 2019, 01:20:44 PM
I don't want any "cute" messages on the VMS. Give me information, possibly an admonition, or else nothing.
Today it just said to stay in your car and call *999 if your car stalls during extreme cold.
I saw today:
ITS NOT
A
FUSS
TO STOP
FOR THE
BUSS
pretty bad imo
^^ They want you to stop for the LA Lakers owner? :bigass:
Quote from: Big John on February 01, 2019, 06:06:31 PM
^^ They want you to stop for the LA Lakers owner? :bigass:
Whenever I see a sign that says "no busses" or similar, I always think of it as "no kisses".
LaDOTD gem of the day:
PROTECT YOUR BEADS
DON'T DRIVE DRUNK
(That's a Mardi Gras reference for you out-of-towners.)
IDOT is "celebrating" Office Space's 20th anniversary today
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190219/95aa7cf3d0bdf268dfa74fa2a04f204e.jpg)
"ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE ... AND A SEATBELT"
"AVOID THE HEARTBELT - WEAR A SEATBELT"
I just saw this picture on Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/ayq2q8/made_me_chuckle_while_driving_into_work/):
(https://preview.redd.it/mxqda6b99wk21.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=92799c960e15354ba5577dd845996e5d0c1879ad)
Another thread (https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/ayploa/apparently_the_illinois_dot_is_using_reddit_too/) had a picture from a different angle:
(https://preview.redd.it/9zxdz5jszvk21.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=a9cfdf8986039366c5e1231b0719b60351397d2d)
Quote from: Michael on March 08, 2019, 09:32:13 PM
I just saw this picture on Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/ayq2q8/made_me_chuckle_while_driving_into_work/):
(https://preview.redd.it/mxqda6b99wk21.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=92799c960e15354ba5577dd845996e5d0c1879ad)
Another thread (https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/ayploa/apparently_the_illinois_dot_is_using_reddit_too/) had a picture from a different angle:
(https://preview.redd.it/9zxdz5jszvk21.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=a9cfdf8986039366c5e1231b0719b60351397d2d)
You rebel!
They're practically asking for it with that message.
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on March 08, 2019, 10:10:54 PM
They're practically asking for it with that message.
I think they're
trying to make it go viral.
Quote from: 1 on March 08, 2019, 10:13:19 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on March 08, 2019, 10:10:54 PM
They're practically asking for it with that message.
I think they're trying to make it go viral.
Sure, but if their goal is driver safety, this is counterproductive. More people are going to be taking pictures while driving simply because they're being told not to.
Quote from: jbnv on January 28, 2019, 09:51:16 AM
This morning: "OBEY THE SIGN OR PAY THE FINE." (With traffic whizzing by at 10+mph over the posted limit.)
Ironically, this is a major election year with the governor and legislature up. IDK about you, but silly platitudes about law enforcement do not endear me to the current administration.
The guy that typed up the sign is probably a civil servant that will be employed whether or not the incumbent is re-elected.
Quote from: Michael on March 08, 2019, 09:32:13 PM
I just saw this picture on Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/ayq2q8/made_me_chuckle_while_driving_into_work/):
(https://preview.redd.it/mxqda6b99wk21.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=92799c960e15354ba5577dd845996e5d0c1879ad)
Another thread (https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/ayploa/apparently_the_illinois_dot_is_using_reddit_too/) had a picture from a different angle:
(https://preview.redd.it/9zxdz5jszvk21.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=a9cfdf8986039366c5e1231b0719b60351397d2d)
IDOT has that VMS Message up yesterday & today on I-64 in the St Louis Metro East area
I did not take a picture of it while driving...
The pictures posted also appear to be IDOT, but up in Chicago, along the Dan Ryan - looks like Sox Park to the left in the one shot, so somewhere around 35th St on the South Side
Yesterday, on my way home from work, I saw there had been an accident on the opposite side of Kellogg, at the Grove Street exit, with cars and police along the shoulder. A few seconds later, I saw a message on the big VMS in the median: Accident at Grove on shoulder. Of course, I was already past Grove! In the rear-view mirror, I saw that the other side of the VMS was blank. So they were warning traffic on the wrong side of the highway about the incident.
Quote from: kphoger on March 28, 2019, 12:32:58 PM
Yesterday, on my way home from work, I saw there had been an accident on the opposite side of Kellogg, at the Grove Street exit, with cars and police along the shoulder. A few seconds later, I saw a message on the big VMS in the median: Accident at Grove on shoulder. Of course, I was already past Grove! In the rear-view mirror, I saw that the other side of the VMS was blank. So they were warning traffic on the wrong side of the highway about the incident.
NJDOT has does this on numerous occasions. Or informed people on illogical routings about a current or upcoming issue.
I was ready to call and report it, but I had no idea what number to call. I didn't figure it qualified as a 9-1-1 emergency...
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 28, 2019, 12:45:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 28, 2019, 12:32:58 PM
Yesterday, on my way home from work, I saw there had been an accident on the opposite side of Kellogg, at the Grove Street exit, with cars and police along the shoulder. A few seconds later, I saw a message on the big VMS in the median: Accident at Grove on shoulder. Of course, I was already past Grove! In the rear-view mirror, I saw that the other side of the VMS was blank. So they were warning traffic on the wrong side of the highway about the incident.
NJDOT has does this on numerous occasions. Or informed people on illogical routings about a current or upcoming issue.
NJDOT also seems to post region-specific weather messages in places where no one is likely to be going there, like about snow in NW NJ on Southbound NJ 42
Quote from: kphoger on March 28, 2019, 12:53:53 PM
I was ready to call and report it, but I had no idea what number to call. I didn't figure it qualified as a 9-1-1 emergency...
Probably whoever owns the VMS. Either the KDOT district office, or the city of Wichita (I seem to remember Kellogg is owned by the city, despite carrying US-54/400).
My guess is that whoever posted the message misread a map or list of signs and punched in the number for the sign facing the wrong direction.
Quote from: kphoger on March 28, 2019, 12:53:53 PM
I was ready to call and report it, but I had no idea what number to call. I didn't figure it qualified as a 9-1-1 emergency...
I would think 511.
LaDOTD gem of the day:
(https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T07E1JNES-FH8UG9NAV/img_0191.jpg)
They must have hired someone from Massachusetts.
Didn't get a picture, but on Friday a VMS on the Beltway got into the March Madness theme: "Make Safety a slam dunk. Wear your seat belt."
Quote from: jbnv on April 01, 2019, 11:37:15 AM
LaDOTD gem of the day:
(https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T07E1JNES-FH8UG9NAV/img_0191.jpg)
They must have hired someone from Massachusetts.
I'm not seeing it.
Wisconsin's message of the day:
NO FOOLING
TEXTING AND DRIVING
KILLS
Quote from: jbnv on April 01, 2019, 11:37:15 AM
LaDOTD gem of the day:
(https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T07E1JNES-FH8UG9NAV/img_0191.jpg)
They must have hired someone from Massachusetts.
It appears you cannot direct-link pictures from slack.com.
Quote from: Big John on April 01, 2019, 01:04:44 PM
Wisconsin's message of the day:
NO FOOLING
TEXTING AND DRIVING
KILLS
MN's is directed at motorcyclists today:
DON'T BE A FOOL
WEAR A HELMET
Quote from: kphoger on April 01, 2019, 03:01:55 PM
Quote from: jbnv on April 01, 2019, 11:37:15 AM
LaDOTD gem of the day: <snip> They must have hired someone from Massachusetts.
It appears you cannot direct-link pictures from slack.com.
Well, you can, but if you aren't on the team you won't see it. (Appeared just fine for me.)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7902/46601802715_794e4d1f22_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2e13qna)
Blinkers (https://flic.kr/p/2e13qna) by Jay Bienvenu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bienvenunet/), on Flickr
Something tells me waving came before blinkers...chronologically speaking.
On my way through Monmouth County, NJ today on Kozloski Road, CR 55, just north of the 33 Bus. interchange was a VMS flashing "MONMOUTH COUNTY ROUTE 55" and that's it. I'd think it would be cheaper to just install a new reassurance shield.
On April 2 in Charlotte NC,
MAINTAIN LANE
SNOW HEAVIER ON SHOULDER
It did really snow in Charlotte on April 2; but it hardly piled up on the shoulders.
Delaware has been using a lot of pop music:
I SAW THE SIGN
AND IT OPENED UP MY EYES
OBEY POSTED SPEED LIMITS
ARRIVE ALIVE
Another one
COME ON EILEEN
YOUR SPEED IS OBSCENE
Manchester, UK:
https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1115277971479248897
Quote from: Mr. Matté on April 06, 2019, 11:53:16 AM
On my way through Monmouth County, NJ today on Kozloski Road, CR 55, just north of the 33 Bus. interchange was a VMS flashing "MONMOUTH COUNTY ROUTE 55" and that's it. I'd think it would be cheaper to just install a new reassurance shield.
That made me fall out of my chair and hit my chin on my table... Why is that SO FUNNY?
Quote from: MCRoads on April 10, 2019, 07:13:53 PM
Quote from: Mr. Matté on April 06, 2019, 11:53:16 AM
On my way through Monmouth County, NJ today on Kozloski Road, CR 55, just north of the 33 Bus. interchange was a VMS flashing "MONMOUTH COUNTY ROUTE 55" and that's it. I'd think it would be cheaper to just install a new reassurance shield.
That made me fall out of my chair and hit my chin on my table... Why is that SO FUNNY?
Reminds me of this classic...
(https://images-cdn.9gag.com/photo/a8YKxp6_700b.jpg)
Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on April 10, 2019, 09:59:00 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on April 10, 2019, 07:13:53 PM
Quote from: Mr. Matté on April 06, 2019, 11:53:16 AM
On my way through Monmouth County, NJ today on Kozloski Road, CR 55, just north of the 33 Bus. interchange was a VMS flashing "MONMOUTH COUNTY ROUTE 55" and that's it. I'd think it would be cheaper to just install a new reassurance shield.
That made me fall out of my chair and hit my chin on my table... Why is that SO FUNNY?
Reminds me of this classic...
(https://images-cdn.9gag.com/photo/a8YKxp6_700b.jpg)
KFC... BUCKET!! :rofl: :-D
Wow.
Quote from: jbnv on April 01, 2019, 03:48:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 01, 2019, 03:01:55 PM
Quote from: jbnv on April 01, 2019, 11:37:15 AM
LaDOTD gem of the day: <snip> They must have hired someone from Massachusetts.
It appears you cannot direct-link pictures from slack.com.
Well, you can, but if you aren't on the team you won't see it. (Appeared just fine for me.)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7902/46601802715_794e4d1f22_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2e13qna)
Blinkers (https://flic.kr/p/2e13qna) by Jay Bienvenu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bienvenunet/), on Flickr
Illustrating one of my pet peeves. Installing overhead sign structure uprights immediately in front of existing ground-mounted signs, thus obscuring the view of the signs from a distance. And if it isn't practical to install the support behind the ground-mounted sign, at least relocate the sign to in front of the new support.
Quote from: roadman on April 11, 2019, 10:56:32 AM
Illustrating one of my pet peeves. Installing overhead sign structure uprights immediately in front of existing ground-mounted signs, thus obscuring the view of the signs from a distance. And if it isn't practical to install the support behind the ground-mounted sign, at least relocate the sign to in front of the new support.
Cool, that's two separate pet peeves for two separate people in one photo. (Mine is DOTD's use of VMSs to lecture us about road rules instead of reporting on travel times or upcoming road conditions.)
Quote from: jbnv on April 11, 2019, 01:39:06 PM
Quote from: roadman on April 11, 2019, 10:56:32 AM
Illustrating one of my pet peeves. Installing overhead sign structure uprights immediately in front of existing ground-mounted signs, thus obscuring the view of the signs from a distance. And if it isn't practical to install the support behind the ground-mounted sign, at least relocate the sign to in front of the new support.
Cool, that's two separate pet peeves for two separate people in one photo. (Mine is DOTD's use of VMSs to lecture us about road rules instead of reporting on travel times or upcoming road conditions.)
Trust me, I have that same peeve about VMSes in all states. As for posting travel times, I like MassDOT's approach. Use separate static signs with the LED displays for times instead of posting travel info on the VMS boards.
Here's yet another picture from Reddit:
(https://i.redd.it/m45y4wsgv2s21.jpg)
The Reddit post (https://old.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/bctso6/ohio_department_of_transportation_gets_personal/) mentions it's from Ohio.
Steering my car away from Al caused me to run over Juanito. I was just obeying the sign.
IDOT has Tax Day themed silliness today...
"Think Taxes Are
Expensive? A
DUI Costs $18,000"
On the VMSes along I-57 from Marion to Chicago...I'm assuming its on most/all IDOT ones. That message is not on the ISTHA VMSes I passed
We got a platitude using the word "eggstra."
Sometimes I just wish they would just put "MERRY XMAS / FROM VDOT" , "DON'T FORGET! / IT'S TAX DAY!" , OR JUST "GO NUGGETS! / AWY XX - NUG XX"
This was TXDOT's on Mother's Day:
(https://i.imgur.com/5LmZW08.jpg)
I saw this on Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/FellowKids/comments/bnvgrp/how_do_you_do_fellow_texters/) a couple days ago:
(https://i.redd.it/l9eysf345ux21.jpg)
Seen on Twitter. Don't know where it is.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D68CbuTXsAMntyF?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
This is VDOT in action today.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D684LLNX4AAzZwV?format=jpg&name=900x900)
This message started popping up all over VMSes in the San Francisco Bay Area. I wonder how many variations of this message will I see eventually?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DTHE%2520ONLY%2520CURE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DFOR%2520LITTER%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DIS%2520YOU%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=eda251fd9fbc71e24f1b55da98f4ef0a4d82dd88)
I think this is a very useful link for creating our own fictional VMSes.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DI%2520CAN%2520MAKE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DTHIS%2520SAY%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DWHATEVER%2520I%2520WANT%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=1ca733640c88d3911a42de1aafcad746f540c5f1)
Good for you to not take things at face value! You can view all the VMSes in California here, although most messages are informal rather than silly (configure message signs in the options): http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Quote from: 1 on May 19, 2019, 03:34:28 PM
I think this is a very useful link for creating our own fictional VMSes.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DI%2520CAN%2520MAKE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DTHIS%2520SAY%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DWHATEVER%2520I%2520WANT%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=1ca733640c88d3911a42de1aafcad746f540c5f1)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DFUCK%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DCLEARVIEW%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=cb5f15b394b9c466a92ef8915eaa5beece52cac6)
Quote from: Techknow on May 19, 2019, 03:32:09 PM
This message started popping up all over VMSes in the San Francisco Bay Area. I wonder how many variations of this message will I see eventually?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DTHE%2520ONLY%2520CURE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DFOR%2520LITTER%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DIS%2520YOU%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=eda251fd9fbc71e24f1b55da98f4ef0a4d82dd88)
What does that even mean?
Quote from: 1 on May 19, 2019, 03:34:28 PM
I think this is a very useful link for creating our own fictional VMSes.
Ok computer
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DMORE%2520LIKE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3D%2522RE-CAL-CI-TRANS%2522%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D...AMIRITE%3F%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=0b372e683606a4ac6ec38570cce1903ec66ac173)
Quote from: ErmineNotyours on May 19, 2019, 07:00:36 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 19, 2019, 03:34:28 PM
I think this is a very useful link for creating our own fictional VMSes.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DI%2520CAN%2520MAKE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DTHIS%2520SAY%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DWHATEVER%2520I%2520WANT%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=1ca733640c88d3911a42de1aafcad746f540c5f1)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DFUCK%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DCLEARVIEW%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=cb5f15b394b9c466a92ef8915eaa5beece52cac6)
I already see this as a meme template
Quote from: Verlanka on May 20, 2019, 08:58:01 AM
Quote from: Techknow on May 19, 2019, 03:32:09 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DTHE%2520ONLY%2520CURE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DFOR%2520LITTER%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DIS%2520YOU%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=eda251fd9fbc71e24f1b55da98f4ef0a4d82dd88)
What does that even mean?
It means no one is going to pick up the trash.
What does it say about community service then?
Quote from: Verlanka on May 25, 2019, 09:08:30 AM
What does it say about community service then?
I think kphoger's reply was a joke. (I often take things too seriously, too.)
Quote from: 1 on May 19, 2019, 03:34:28 PM
I think this is a very useful link for creating our own fictional VMSes.
It even supports foreign characters :sombrero::
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3D%26amp%3Bp1l2%3D%25C3%2582%25C2%25A1VIVA%2520ESPA%25C3%2583%27A%21%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=f905dd079a522276573f79dc8e5f28b01bc02f90)
Quote from: 1 on May 19, 2019, 03:34:28 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DF%2A%40%7E%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DCLEARVIEW%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=c7608ab6712eb67de9af8936519b17b6bde47723)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DTHOU%2520SHALT%2520NOT%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DWHINE%2520ABOUT%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DCLEARVIEW%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=87981b257a1699589881059e1b980e31f7a7a089)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DCLEARVIEW%3F%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DMORE%2520LIKE%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DSMEARVIEW%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=170f67013e6a9772fa9580b08846584eccced37a)
Saw in the SW Chicago burbs "DO YOUR DUTY, BELT YOUR BOOTY"
Quote from: inkyatari on June 04, 2019, 12:28:07 PM
Saw in the SW Chicago burbs "DO YOUR DUTY, BELT YOUR BOOTY"
Kinky.
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on June 05, 2019, 09:48:45 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on June 04, 2019, 12:28:07 PM
Saw in the SW Chicago burbs "DO YOUR DUTY, BELT YOUR BOOTY"
Kinky.
Nah. It's really just a PSA telling people not to let their boxers show.
LaDODT's latest gem:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DTEXTING%2520AND%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DDRIVING%3F%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DI%26%23039%3BM%2520TELLING%2520DAD%21%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=653d76670c3cbd86c7d4791ae89228f264225c1b)
Sighted on a board on I-95 north in Providence yesterday:
Jail Is
No Picnic
Drive Sober
But the truly absurd part was that the flashing beacons normally used only to highlight critical traffic messages were activated as well.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_m6idTWkAIheQb?format=jpg&name=large)
During a heat wave today:
THAT'S THE
TEMPERATURE
NOT THE SPEED LIMIT
I saw this on Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/ce70ts/good_ole_new_orleans/) a couple days ago:
(https://preview.redd.it/putz1oig2sa31.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=ed1e63a4f03100f6a107ffb175ddcd841679af0a)
I see that there's a similar message a few posts ago, and that this isn't the first message from the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in this thread.
^I'm more intrigued by the use of white colored text (rather than the typical yellow-orange used on many VMSs).
^^ and the railroad crossing lights and gates with no railroad.
Quote from: roadfro on July 27, 2019, 01:17:47 PM
^I'm more intrigued by the use of white colored text (rather than the typical yellow-orange used on many VMSs).
Probably a full-color VMS. Although often the font color used is traditional VMS Orange.
DelDOT did this last weekend:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DTWEET%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DWHILE%2520DRIVING%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=dc8c3be8117e081707c9c6eab3a3731768d35f5c)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DEND%2520UP%2520IN%2520A%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DCRASH%2520TAG%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=9113a3097bd279406249cbbde49c6fe315ba3e42)
And this past week IDOT had this going:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DYOU%2520LOOK%2520SO%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DCUTE%2520IN%2520THAT%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DSEAT%2520BELT%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=a7923199da9037fa8fed92f425fe3627755c168e)
LaDOTD today: "THAT'S THE TEMPERATURE, NOT THE SPEED LIMIT" :rolleyes:
Not sure if this is real or photoshopped
(https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67883847_10162411348395790_7395977990594625536_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_oc=AQkvp6oGxI8vGHzoWBK4QFqi8nDHnnTuvTE1x1r-_vM3DxKOBivGp8WD_grO5jX1uqxtLwNmTrX3EGGCceJreuwI&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.xx&oh=4fab99d7bb71f4a14767a0212a1c0d23&oe=5DE58030)
how do you make those signs??
Quote from: MCRoads on August 18, 2019, 03:13:17 PM
how do you make those signs??
Quote someone who made one of those signs, and change the message. Remember that all spaces need to be "%20".
What i wish DOTs would say:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DXXXXX%2520SUCKS%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DRIGHT%2520NOW%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DUSE%2520ANOTHER%2520WAY%21%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=f58042a0ed4de1c804abddfd4fca24b6d7971ab3)
I.E.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DI-64%2520SUCKS%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DRIGHT%2520NOW%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DUSE%2520I-664%21%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=70b82b260ec9252340cdecab8d351fd5e507fc6b)
However, they don't, so... oh well.
Turns out the FDS Sylvia fiber optic signs were
NOT the first DMS used by ADOT. On Facebook there is a B&W photo from 1987 of a two-line row matrix flip-dot DMS on I-17 with this message:
QuoteCARPOOLS SAVE
GAS & MONEY
The FDS Sylvia signs I think first went up in 1993 and were installed until 2007 when ADOT switched to the Daktronics LED signs that were installed from 2007-2012. Then ADOT went with Skyline full matrix LED signs from 2012-2017, and now ADOT went back to Daktronics with color LED signs since 2017.
Anyone remember what the message was on the Chicago area VMS's this morning? It was really stupid.
I only remember the first line..
"Aruba, Jamaica..."
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 10:10:49 AM
Anyone remember what the message was on the Chicago area VMS's this morning? It was really stupid.
I only remember the first line..
"Aruba, Jamaica..."
That's the start to the chorus of "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys.
Quote from: jbnv on August 26, 2019, 10:26:36 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 10:10:49 AM
Anyone remember what the message was on the Chicago area VMS's this morning? It was really stupid.
I only remember the first line..
"Aruba, Jamaica..."
That's the start to the chorus of "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys.
"Way down in Chi-cahh-goooooo"
Quote from: jbnv on August 26, 2019, 10:26:36 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 10:10:49 AM
Anyone remember what the message was on the Chicago area VMS's this morning? It was really stupid.
I only remember the first line..
"Aruba, Jamaica..."
That's the start to the chorus of "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys.
I know. It was just very stupid. Something about buckling your seatbelt, if I recall.
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 10:36:26 AM
Quote from: jbnv on August 26, 2019, 10:26:36 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 10:10:49 AM
Anyone remember what the message was on the Chicago area VMS's this morning? It was really stupid.
I only remember the first line..
"Aruba, Jamaica..."
That's the start to the chorus of "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys.
I know. It was just very stupid. Something about buckling your seatbelt, if I recall.
That's OK, IDiOT had a PSA about stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks on the freeway VMSs. Name a freeway or tollway here with a pedestrian crosswalk.
Quote from: Brandon on August 26, 2019, 01:24:33 PM
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 10:36:26 AM
Quote from: jbnv on August 26, 2019, 10:26:36 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 10:10:49 AM
Anyone remember what the message was on the Chicago area VMS's this morning? It was really stupid.
I only remember the first line..
"Aruba, Jamaica..."
That's the start to the chorus of "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys.
I know. It was just very stupid. Something about buckling your seatbelt, if I recall.
That's OK, IDiOT had a PSA about stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks on the freeway VMSs. Name a freeway or tollway here with a pedestrian crosswalk.
I saw that same message on the VMS on I-80 near Ottawa, IL on Saturday.
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 01:50:49 PM
Quote from: Brandon on August 26, 2019, 01:24:33 PM
That's OK, IDiOT had a PSA about stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks on the freeway VMSs. Name a freeway or tollway here with a pedestrian crosswalk.
I saw that same message on the VMS on I-80 near Ottawa, IL on Saturday.
It was on the VMSs on I-64 in the STL Metro East as well over the weekend
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 10:36:26 AM
Quote from: jbnv on August 26, 2019, 10:26:36 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on August 26, 2019, 10:10:49 AM
Anyone remember what the message was on the Chicago area VMS's this morning? It was really stupid.
I only remember the first line..
"Aruba, Jamaica..."
That's the start to the chorus of "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys.
I know. It was just very stupid. Something about buckling your seatbelt, if I recall.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DARUBA%2520JAMAICA%2520%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DTEXTING%26%23039%3BS%2520A%2520%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DMISTAKE-A%2520%26amp%3Bp2l1%3D%26amp%3Bp2l2%3D%26amp%3Bp2l3%3D&hash=1ad308608743a461728ac6259872d7380b3987a3)
Stupid
Every distraction is harmful to driving. The VMSes should only be used to tell me about an upcoming traffic incident or how much time to an upcoming interchange. Messages about drunk driving or seatbelts are simply unnecessary.
Quote from: mrsman on August 27, 2019, 12:03:38 PM
Every distraction is harmful to driving. The VMSes should only be used to tell me about an upcoming traffic incident or how much time to an upcoming interchange. Messages about drunk driving or seatbelts are simply unnecessary.
Fully agree
Ditto.
Well, I was planning on driving drunk, but then I saw a VMS telling me not to. So I decided against it.
Said no one, ever.
(mainly because no one knows what a VMS is)
I read that in Michigan, MDOT gets notifications that a sign is "broken" from well-meaning drivers when there is no message. So they always have some kind of message on them. These aren't Pulitzer-winning authors coming up with the things to say.
Quote from: GaryV on August 27, 2019, 05:20:08 PM
I read that in Michigan, MDOT gets notifications that a sign is "broken" from well-meaning drivers when there is no message. So they always have some kind of message on them. These aren't Pulitzer-winning authors coming up with the things to say.
I'm curious if Nevada DOT had a similar experience when they first installed VMSs. I remember for a while that many signs around Reno (and possibly Vegas also) that weren't actively displaying a message would instead light a single period in the lower right corner. Now they will leave a sign blank if there's no pertinent info, and only tend to flash up silly slogans during occasional safety campaigns. In Vegas, many VMSs display travel time when no pertinent message is needed (I-15 & US 95 don't have separate travel time signs currently.)
Quote from: roadfro on August 28, 2019, 01:09:17 AM
Quote from: GaryV on August 27, 2019, 05:20:08 PM
I read that in Michigan, MDOT gets notifications that a sign is "broken" from well-meaning drivers when there is no message. So they always have some kind of message on them. These aren't Pulitzer-winning authors coming up with the things to say.
I'm curious if Nevada DOT had a similar experience when they first installed VMSs. I remember for a while that many signs around Reno (and possibly Vegas also) that weren't actively displaying a message would instead light a single period in the lower right corner. Now they will leave a sign blank if there's no pertinent info, and only tend to flash up silly slogans during occasional safety campaigns. In Vegas, many VMSs display travel time when no pertinent message is needed (I-15 & US 95 don't have separate travel time signs currently.)
I think the same thing happened in Ohio. Now, they always say something, usually it's a travel time if there is no other message and they aren't in a safety campaign. We seem to get a lot of Amber and Silver alerts on ours. I wonder how effective they are - it's not like you're going to memorize the plate number - you might remember the vehicle description (yesterday, it was a "GREY JEEP" but I only remember that because of the less-common spelling of the color)
Also, when the signs were normally dark (with the one period), when they did have a message, people would slow down just because the sign was lit, even if the situation was several miles away. Now, people seem to be able to read (or ignore) them without slowing down.
Quote from: kphoger on August 27, 2019, 04:18:51 PM
Well, I was planning on driving drunk, but then I saw a VMS telling me not to. So I decided against it.
Said no one, ever.
(mainly because no one knows what a VMS is)
VMS = Vodka's My Savior? :awesomeface:
Quote from: GaryV on August 27, 2019, 05:20:08 PM
I read that in Michigan, MDOT gets notifications that a sign is "broken" from well-meaning drivers when there is no message. So they always have some kind of message on them. These aren't Pulitzer-winning authors coming up with the things to say.
Nope. Sometime there just aren't messages. Looking at the DMS "layer" on the mi.gov/drive website will confirm that.
A lack of Pulitzer-winning authors is another topic I won't debate.
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on August 29, 2019, 06:25:59 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 27, 2019, 04:18:51 PM
Well, I was planning on driving drunk, but then I saw a VMS telling me not to. So I decided against it.
Said no one, ever.
(mainly because no one knows what a VMS is)
VMS = Vodka's My Savior? :awesomeface:
We were discussing this at work the other day (no, not vodka, but message sign terminology). Used to be VMS (variable message sign), then the term was changed to CMS (changeable message sign). Then it was DMS (dynamic message sign) for a brief period, and it's now back to CMS again.
Was ICRTAHS taken? As in "I can't read that at highway speeds!"? :-D
Somewhat off topic, but has anyone ever noticed a "swoosh" effect on Skyline DMS when they switch between messages? I have noticed it on several on I-17 in Phoenix. This effect is absent on Daktronics.
I saw a message I liked yesterday on a VMS on the Beltway's Outer Loop approaching Exit 174:
LEFT LANE
IS FOR PASSING
NOT CRUISING
It had about as much effect as you likely think it did!
Seen on northbound New Yorl State Thruway (I-87) last night;
EXIT 16 DETOUR
TAKE
EXIT 16
I like the sentiment expressed here, although it's a little silly for a highway sign.
https://twitter.com/vadot/status/1180838628995547141?s=21
While the message itself isn't too absurd, I did find it a bit silly that it was displayed in such a rural area (I-5 approaching Tejon Pass from the south). I did see some signs with the same message in LA as well so Caltrans must have been putting them up all over without regard to whether it really made sense everywhere...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48854878593_d5246a5066_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hr92jZ) (https://flic.kr/p/2hr92jZ)
Coming back from Albany earlier today (10/6), all the boards on I-90/MassPike were displaying
PROTECT
FROM
EEE
INFO AT
MASS.GOV
Quote from: roadman on October 06, 2019, 10:02:29 PM
Coming back from Albany earlier today (10/6), all the boards on I-90/MassPike were displaying
PROTECT
FROM
EEE
INFO AT
MASS.GOV
The hell is EEE? Without knowing what it is, that almost sounds kind of ominous.
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 06, 2019, 10:50:59 AM
I like the sentiment expressed here, although it's a little silly for a highway sign.
They did the same thing for Labor Day.... I wonder if it's permanent now or just for the beginning of fall?
Delaware's I-95 messages this weekend referred to the Monster Mile, due to the NASCAR race in Dover.
Which for most people traveling I-95 on the weekend, they are probably unfamiliar with the Monster Mile so the messages would've been completely lost on them.
As an aside, the font DelDOT uses on their VMSs sucks - it's an unusually narrow font on the 95 North sign between Exits 1 & 3, and on the signs in both directions just North of Interchange 4, the font is narrow and smaller than needs to be, with numerous bad lights/pixels.
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 07, 2019, 06:45:15 PM
Quote from: roadman on October 06, 2019, 10:02:29 PM
Coming back from Albany earlier today (10/6), all the boards on I-90/MassPike were displaying
PROTECT
FROM
EEE
INFO AT
MASS.GOV
The hell is EEE? Without knowing what it is, that almost sounds kind of ominous.
It's a very scary disease being spread by mosquitoes.
Huh.
Eastern equine encephalitis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_equine_encephalitis), in case anyone else is unfamiliar with it.
Just spotted on Big Rig Travels, on I-80/I-94 at the IN/IL state line:
COLUMBUS MADE IT
BECAUSE DIDN'T
TEXT WHILE SAILING
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on October 11, 2019, 06:37:00 PM
Just spotted on Big Rig Travels, on I-80/I-94 at the IN/IL state line:
COLUMBUS MADE IT
BECAUSE DIDN'T
TEXT WHILE SAILING
I'm pretty sure countless millions of people are wishing in retrospect he had been.
Somebody's probably gonna get raked for this at IDiOT.
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on October 11, 2019, 06:37:00 PM
Just spotted on Big Rig Travels, on I-80/I-94 at the IN/IL state line:
COLUMBUS MADE IT
BECAUSE DIDN'T
TEXT WHILE SAILING
Did they actually miss adding a "HE" in the second line?
I missed that "he" in the 2nd line X-(. It was too late for me.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 11, 2019, 06:39:30 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on October 11, 2019, 06:37:00 PM
Just spotted on Big Rig Travels, on I-80/I-94 at the IN/IL state line:
COLUMBUS MADE IT
BECAUSE DIDN'T
TEXT WHILE SAILING
I'm pretty sure countless millions of people are wishing in retrospect he had been.
I'm pretty sure there aren't "countless millions" who wish Columbus had never made to the Americas.
The VMS in question: https://youtu.be/7hRzW0vGILQ?t=14944
Quote from: kphoger on October 15, 2019, 02:03:14 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 11, 2019, 06:39:30 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on October 11, 2019, 06:37:00 PM
Just spotted on Big Rig Travels, on I-80/I-94 at the IN/IL state line:
COLUMBUS MADE IT
BECAUSE DIDN'T
TEXT WHILE SAILING
I'm pretty sure countless millions of people are wishing in retrospect he had been.
I'm pretty sure there aren't "countless millions" who wish Columbus had never made to the Americas.
Eh, still a sizeable number, nonetheless.
Quote from: Rothman on October 16, 2019, 08:01:46 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 15, 2019, 02:03:14 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 11, 2019, 06:39:30 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on October 11, 2019, 06:37:00 PM
Just spotted on Big Rig Travels, on I-80/I-94 at the IN/IL state line:
COLUMBUS MADE IT
BECAUSE DIDN'T
TEXT WHILE SAILING
I'm pretty sure countless millions of people are wishing in retrospect he had been.
I'm pretty sure there aren't "countless millions" who wish Columbus had never made to the Americas.
Eh, still a sizeable number, nonetheless.
Regardless of how large or small that number is, the VMS message is still pretty stupid.
I think this is the most absurd one I've ever seen:
(https://preview.redd.it/n1cpe83jowt31.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=e5ae5f7f38717e728348c96ad4c4ecf24f686d93)
Again, it's from Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/dl1hjm/how_do_you_do_fellow_kids/).
EDIT: After reading the Reddit thread, I saw it's from Utah. I went to the Utah traffic website, and sure enough, it's there.
Quote from: Michael on October 21, 2019, 07:41:26 PM
I think this is the most absurd one I've ever seen:
(https://preview.redd.it/n1cpe83jowt31.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=e5ae5f7f38717e728348c96ad4c4ecf24f686d93)
Again, it's from Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/dl1hjm/how_do_you_do_fellow_kids/).
EDIT: After reading the Reddit thread, I saw it's from Utah. I went to the Utah traffic website, and sure enough, it's there.
I saw that one all over Facebook. I don't get what the slang is supposed to even represent?
I don't either, and it's probably aimed at my generation.
LaDOTD had one about teens buckling up last week. Some sort of nationwide thing?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 21, 2019, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Michael on October 21, 2019, 07:41:26 PM
I think this is the most absurd one I've ever seen
[post snipped]
I saw that one all over Facebook. I don't get what the slang is supposed to even represent?
It represents older people who know some young people slang but don't actually understand it.
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 22, 2019, 10:13:52 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 21, 2019, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Michael on October 21, 2019, 07:41:26 PM
I think this is the most absurd one I've ever seen
[post snipped]
I saw that one all over Facebook. I don't get what the slang is supposed to even represent?
It represents older people who know some young people slang but don't actually understand it.
Whoever wrote that ought to call the person who does the VMS messages at ADOT, at least most people understand those references. I'm guessing "totes" probably means "totally" (or storage containers) but I'm lost on what "yetes" is supposed to me.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 22, 2019, 10:28:38 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 22, 2019, 10:13:52 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 21, 2019, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Michael on October 21, 2019, 07:41:26 PM
I think this is the most absurd one I've ever seen
[post snipped]
I saw that one all over Facebook. I don't get what the slang is supposed to even represent?
It represents older people who know some young people slang but don't actually understand it.
Whoever wrote that ought to call the person who does the VMS messages at ADOT, at least most people understand those references. I'm guessing "totes" probably means "totally" (or storage containers) but I'm lost on what "yetes" is supposed to me.
Dictionary.com (slang):
YEET! Yeet is an exclamation of excitement, approval, surprise, or all-around energy, often as issued when doing a dance move or throwing something.
From other usage I've seen, it seems to require relating to motion - throwing, jumping, flying off the ground, etc.
Reddit has a post that says, "But if you buckle, how do you yeet out of the car?"
Quote from: GaryV on October 22, 2019, 10:50:19 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 22, 2019, 10:28:38 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 22, 2019, 10:13:52 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 21, 2019, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Michael on October 21, 2019, 07:41:26 PM
I think this is the most absurd one I've ever seen
[post snipped]
I saw that one all over Facebook. I don't get what the slang is supposed to even represent?
It represents older people who know some young people slang but don't actually understand it.
Whoever wrote that ought to call the person who does the VMS messages at ADOT, at least most people understand those references. I'm guessing "totes" probably means "totally" (or storage containers) but I'm lost on what "yetes" is supposed to me.
Dictionary.com (slang):
YEET! Yeet is an exclamation of excitement, approval, surprise, or all-around energy, often as issued when doing a dance move or throwing something.
From other usage I've seen, it seems to require relating to motion - throwing, jumping, flying off the ground, etc.
Reddit has a post that says, "But if you buckle, how do you yeet out of the car?"
So there are people who go around busting into surprise dances so they can throw things while screaming "YEET?" So the VMS is suggesting teenagers scream "yeet" while buckling up in the car?
Apparently this is a real thing. I would have assumed someone had something wrong within them if I heard this in the general public:
So about that thread regarding not wanting kids...
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 22, 2019, 10:59:37 AM
So there are people who go around busting into surprise dances so they can throw things while screaming "YEET?"
I want to live in the reality where this is true.
Quote from: Michael on October 21, 2019, 07:41:26 PM
I think this is the most absurd one I've ever seen:
(https://preview.redd.it/n1cpe83jowt31.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=e5ae5f7f38717e728348c96ad4c4ecf24f686d93)
Again, it's from Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/dl1hjm/how_do_you_do_fellow_kids/).
EDIT: After reading the Reddit thread, I saw it's from Utah. I went to the Utah traffic website, and sure enough, it's there.
I think this one takes the cake. You cannot get any worse than this.
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 22, 2019, 12:18:14 PM
Quote from: Michael on October 21, 2019, 07:41:26 PM
I think this is the most absurd one I've ever seen:
(https://preview.redd.it/n1cpe83jowt31.jpg?width=576&auto=webp&s=e5ae5f7f38717e728348c96ad4c4ecf24f686d93)
Again, it's from Reddit (https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/dl1hjm/how_do_you_do_fellow_kids/).
EDIT: After reading the Reddit thread, I saw it's from Utah. I went to the Utah traffic website, and sure enough, it's there.
I think this one takes the cake. You cannot get any worse than this.
(https://i.imgur.com/69WslcW.jpg)
Thank you, MDOT, for advising us of travel times via a freeway we can't access.
(https://i.imgur.com/tDvF7mn.png)
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 22, 2019, 11:06:46 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 22, 2019, 10:59:37 AM
So there are people who go around busting into surprise dances so they can throw things while screaming "YEET?"
I want to live in the reality where this is true.
Watch for a thread about it from bandit957.
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 27, 2019, 03:41:24 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on October 22, 2019, 11:06:46 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 22, 2019, 10:59:37 AM
So there are people who go around busting into surprise dances so they can throw things while screaming "YEET?"
I want to live in the reality where this is true.
Watch for a thread about it from bandit957.
Unless yet was a thing 30 years ago in his school I doubt he has any stories about it!)
I don't really want to put this in the "absurd" category because I like the message, but this is the correct thread.
I-66 this morning. VDOT getting into the World Series spirit.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191030/c245af6edee8ab7f5b0379b53050f3d1.jpg)
Near Milwaukee:
HOCUS POCUS
DRIVE WITH
FOCUS
On Reddit a couple weeks ago, I saw this picture of the Ghostbusters VMS message that was mentioned earlier in the thread:
(https://preview.redd.it/80g2o5mn09x31.png?width=778&auto=webp&s=868b4f1bed7b7f6666a37f0848ab98e17438b354)
Here's (https://old.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/dswcoy/images_you_can_hear/) a link to the Reddit thread.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 22, 2019, 10:28:38 AM
I'm lost on what "yetes" is supposed to me.
Yeet is yeet.
(https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-cz90y3byzm/images/stencil/1280x1280/attribute_rule_images/613_source_1561388187.png)
Missouri lawmaker wants to end playful electronic highway messages (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/missouri-lawmaker-wants-to-end-playful-electronic-highway-messages?fbclid=IwAR15ZUCmaWixeU2XDRplXKSq06LsmzyatVim4X2zD2acLkq6SwsMIoYENJQ)
Quote from: ErmineNotyours on December 21, 2019, 12:03:03 AM
Missouri lawmaker wants to end playful electronic highway messages (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/missouri-lawmaker-wants-to-end-playful-electronic-highway-messages?fbclid=IwAR15ZUCmaWixeU2XDRplXKSq06LsmzyatVim4X2zD2acLkq6SwsMIoYENJQ)
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=26119.0
All over the Toledo area last night (I went out for a few-hours-long late Christmas Eve drive)...
STAY TO THE RIGHT
SANTA NEEDS THE
LEFT LANE TONIGHT
... which would seem to contradict everything we've always been told about speed limits.
Las Vegas is getting into the act on non-traditional messages.
Seen on the northern CC-215 in both directions around Jones Blvd on the evening of 12/23/19:
ONLY REINDEER
CAN FLY
WATCH YOUR SPEED
I didn't get a picture due to poor lighting and traffic, but on our way home tonight, a sign on the Beltway approaching I-95 said this (or something very close to this):
SANTA KNOWS
WHEN YOU
ARE SPEEDING
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 25, 2019, 09:11:23 PM
I didn't get a picture due to poor lighting and traffic, but on our way home tonight, a sign on the Beltway approaching I-95 said this (or something very close to this):
SANTA KNOWS
WHEN YOU
ARE SPEEDING
HE KNOWS WHEN YOUR TAILGATING
was the rest of it, they had it up on Delaware VMS' as well.
iPhone
The one we saw didn't say anything about tailgating, and I'm sure if it had they would not have misspelled "you're"!
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 25, 2019, 09:15:33 PM
The one we saw didn't say anything about tailgating, and I'm sure if it had they would not have misspelled "you're"!
You're correct, I was rush typing my bad.
iPhone
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 25, 2019, 09:15:33 PM
The one we saw didn't say anything about tailgating, and I'm sure if it had they would not have misspelled "you're"!
Maybe trying to save space, like the signs that used to say DONT WALK.
Massachusetts put this one up late last week:
IF YOU DRINK AND DRIVE
YULE BE SORRY
PUT YA PHONE DOWN N DRIVE!! I would love to see some state use that.
The Freetown MA police department put this up a few days ago on the sign outside their station house:
HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU'RE SPEEDING
HE KNOWS WHEN YOU DON'T BRAKE
HE KNOWS IF YOU'VE HAD A FEW
SO DON'T GO OVER .08
Texas had one that capitalized on the Mandalorian "Baby Yoda"
BABY YODA USES
A CAR SEAT
BE SAFE HE WILL
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 25, 2019, 10:32:59 AM
All over the Toledo area last night (I went out for a few-hours-long late Christmas Eve drive)...
STAY TO THE RIGHT
SANTA NEEDS THE
LEFT LANE TONIGHT
... which would seem to contradict everything we've always been told about speed limits.
And about Santa, too.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 25, 2019, 10:32:59 AM
All over the Toledo area last night (I went out for a few-hours-long late Christmas Eve drive)...
STAY TO THE RIGHT
SANTA NEEDS THE
LEFT LANE TONIGHT
... which would seem to contradict everything we've always been told about speed limits.
Nothing was mentioned about speed. Everything was mentioned about keeping to the right. Unfortunately, people want to read into these things way more than they need to, and the intended message is lost.
WSDOT recently made a blog about the more "creative" messages they've been trying out in the Spokane area, including such gems as "Feast your eyes on the road, not your phone" and "You're not Rudolph, don't drive lit!" It even mentions the Ghostbusters message from a few posts ago - the DOTs must be sharing that one between themselves! Anyway, it's an interesting read if you want to know a bit about how they come up with these silly messages, and the reasoning for using them:
https://wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/spokane-message-boards-get-lit-for-holidays.html
Spotted yesterday on I-93 north in Somerville:
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE
DOTD this morning:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49299200883_b858d84dca_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2i7phS8)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191231/6c1f02234ab71a0b0abeb1c03141194d.jpg)
In Delaware over the holiday.
iPhone
A local town in NJ was using these messages on their portable VMS.
https://www.nj.com/news/2019/12/only-in-jersey-traffic-safety-served-up-with-a-side-of-attitude-humor.html
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 27, 2019, 08:43:34 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 25, 2019, 10:32:59 AM
All over the Toledo area last night (I went out for a few-hours-long late Christmas Eve drive)...
STAY TO THE RIGHT
SANTA NEEDS THE
LEFT LANE TONIGHT
... which would seem to contradict everything we've always been told about speed limits.
Nothing was mentioned about speed. Everything was mentioned about keeping to the right. Unfortunately, people want to read into these things way more than they need to, and the intended message is lost.
If it's not about speed, then why else would Santa need one specific lane?
Delaware picked up on the Baby Yoda craze as well, even taking a page from the Texas message. Consider these two VMS messages today on I-95
BABY YODA USES THE FORCE
BUT STILL NEEDS A CAR SEAT
BABY YODA USES A CAR SEAT
BUCKLE UP HE WILL
Quote from: kphoger on January 02, 2020, 02:07:04 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 27, 2019, 08:43:34 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 25, 2019, 10:32:59 AM
All over the Toledo area last night (I went out for a few-hours-long late Christmas Eve drive)...
STAY TO THE RIGHT
SANTA NEEDS THE
LEFT LANE TONIGHT
... which would seem to contradict everything we've always been told about speed limits.
Nothing was mentioned about speed. Everything was mentioned about keeping to the right. Unfortunately, people want to read into these things way more than they need to, and the intended message is lost.
If it's not about speed, then why else would Santa need one specific lane?
Euhhh... what? His sleigh is not flying anymore?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 27, 2019, 08:43:34 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 25, 2019, 10:32:59 AM
All over the Toledo area last night (I went out for a few-hours-long late Christmas Eve drive)...
STAY TO THE RIGHT
SANTA NEEDS THE
LEFT LANE TONIGHT
... which would seem to contradict everything we've always been told about speed limits.
Nothing was mentioned about speed. Everything was mentioned about keeping to the right. Unfortunately, people want to read into these things way more than they need to, and the intended message is lost.
When it says upfront that he NEEDS the left lane, it implies he intends to pass everyone regardless of speed. Crissake, get a grip, willya? It was a lighthearted remark about a lighthearted message.
Quote from: SidS1045 on December 26, 2019, 03:25:46 PM
The Freetown MA police department put this up a few days ago on the sign outside their station house:
HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU'RE SPEEDING
HE KNOWS WHEN YOU DON'T BRAKE
HE KNOWS IF YOU'VE HAD A FEW
SO DON'T GO OVER .08
The last line means nothing anymore. You can get arrested for DUI with literally a 0.0 BAC because the officer believes you're impaired.
It's game day. There are flood warnings in the Baton Rouge area. LSU has canceled classes.
This is the message DOTD has on the digital sign on I-12 at Juban:
OBEY THE SIGN OR PAY THE FINE
This is nanny state crap.
Very strange thing to see on a sign on the new US-301 toll road in Delaware, of all places:
https://goo.gl/maps/aVHdmZcSioutfUg56
Article including more signs, in pictures and in the article text: https://www.npr.org/2020/03/05/812130695/humorous-highway-signs-aim-to-steer-drivers-safely-down-the-old-town-road
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 26, 2020, 12:56:02 PM
Very strange thing to see on a sign on the new US-301 toll road in Delaware, of all places:
https://goo.gl/maps/aVHdmZcSioutfUg56
WTF? Unless the Mackenzie Brothers hacked the sign controller.
New York's are saying:
STAY HOME
SAVE LIVES
Go back in time two weeks and try to imagine that.
Truly unbelievable.
Quote from: webny99 on March 17, 2020, 02:05:53 PM
New York's are saying:
STAY HOME
SAVE LIVES
Go back in time two weeks and try to imagine that.
Truly unbelievable.
Should really say
SOCIAL DISTANCING
SAVES LIVES
as merely being on the road, out of contact with other people doesn't spread the virus.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on March 17, 2020, 11:33:27 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 17, 2020, 02:05:53 PM
New York's are saying:
STAY HOME
SAVE LIVES
Go back in time two weeks and try to imagine that.
Truly unbelievable.
Should really say
SOCIAL DISTANCING
SAVES LIVES
as merely being on the road, out of contact with other people doesn't spread the virus.
From the perspective of the average person, if you're on the road, you're coming from or going to a place that isn't home. And therefore, inevitably coming into contact with additional people than you would at home. I can think of a few exceptions to that, but not many. Us roadgeeks are the only ones that would go for a drive just for the joy of being on the road.
Quote from: webny99 on March 18, 2020, 02:29:24 PM
From the perspective of the average person, if you're on the road, you're coming from or going to a place that isn't home. And therefore, inevitably coming into contact with additional people than you would at home. I can think of a few exceptions to that, but not many. UsWe roadgeeks are the only ones that would go for a drive just for the joy of being on the road.
That final sentence is a further example of how times have changed over our lifetimes. I'm sure I'm not the only person here who remembers when it was fairly common for families to go for a "Sunday drive" in the afternoon. Often my dad didn't have anywhere in particular in mind before we headed out, but we'd all get in the car. We didn't necessarily wind up stopping anywhere, either.
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 19, 2020, 08:14:13 AM
Quote from: webny99 on March 18, 2020, 02:29:24 PM
From the perspective of the average person, if you're on the road, you're coming from or going to a place that isn't home. And therefore, inevitably coming into contact with additional people than you would at home. I can think of a few exceptions to that, but not many. UsWe roadgeeks are the only ones that would go for a drive just for the joy of being on the road.
That final sentence is a further example of how times have changed over our lifetimes. I'm sure I'm not the only person here who remembers when it was fairly common for families to go for a "Sunday drive" in the afternoon. Often my dad didn't have anywhere in particular in mind before we headed out, but we'd all get in the car. We didn't necessarily wind up stopping anywhere, either.
Certainly, people still do it, and it's more of a rural/small town thing, as I can relate to having a parent that came from a very rural area. But you are right that it does seem to be decreasing over time.
We are under a blizzard warning as well as dealing with COVID-19, so CDOT probably has signs that say:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DYOU%2520CHOSE%2520A%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DREAL%2520CRAP%2520TIME%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DTO%2520DRIVE%21%21%26amp%3Bp2l1%3DWITH%2520COVID-19%26amp%3Bp2l2%3DAND%2520A%2520BLIZZARD%26amp%3Bp2l3%3DWHY%2520YOU%2520DRIVING%3F&hash=52cd1fe138324273fc23f38c946504451c9a8972)
Quote from: webny99 on March 17, 2020, 02:05:53 PM
New York's are saying:
STAY HOME
SAVE LIVES
Go back in time two weeks and try to imagine that.
Truly unbelievable.
Driving through SC and NC, all VMSs say Stay Home for COVID-19. South Carolina even rolled out several temporary ones along I-26.
Quote from: MCRoads on March 19, 2020, 03:48:22 PM
We are under a blizzard warning as well as dealing with COVID-19, so CDOT probably has signs that say:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DYOU%2520CHOSE%2520A%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DREAL%2520CRAP%2520TIME%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DTO%2520DRIVE%21%21%26amp%3Bp2l1%3DWITH%2520COVID-19%26amp%3Bp2l2%3DAND%2520A%2520BLIZZARD%26amp%3Bp2l3%3DWHY%2520YOU%2520DRIVING%3F&hash=52cd1fe138324273fc23f38c946504451c9a8972)
Most excellent.
Fictional:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DSTEEP%2520DOWNHILL%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DDON%26%23039%3BT%2520CRASH%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D&hash=4ff02207dfd7cefa3b4ae869aa5ef4618ff08369)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DYOU%2520ARE%2520NOT%2520THE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DSTOCK%2520MARKET%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D&hash=e357223840947eb2c46cc9be027c1104082fdee1)
Quote from: webny99 on March 18, 2020, 02:29:24 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on March 17, 2020, 11:33:27 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 17, 2020, 02:05:53 PM
New York's are saying:
STAY HOME
SAVE LIVES
Go back in time two weeks and try to imagine that.
Truly unbelievable.
Should really say
SOCIAL DISTANCING
SAVES LIVES
as merely being on the road, out of contact with other people doesn't spread the virus.
From the perspective of the average person, if you're on the road, you're coming from or going to a place that isn't home. And therefore, inevitably coming into contact with additional people than you would at home. I can think of a few exceptions to that, but not many. Us roadgeeks are the only ones that would go for a drive just for the joy of being on the road.
What about parks?
Quote from: 1 on March 19, 2020, 04:31:21 PM
Fictional:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DSTEEP%2520DOWNHILL%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DDON%26%23039%3BT%2520CRASH%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D&hash=4ff02207dfd7cefa3b4ae869aa5ef4618ff08369)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DYOU%2520ARE%2520NOT%2520THE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DSTOCK%2520MARKET%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D&hash=e357223840947eb2c46cc9be027c1104082fdee1)
I-70 near the Jonson/Eisenhower Tunnels needs this!
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on March 19, 2020, 05:26:17 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 18, 2020, 02:29:24 PM
From the perspective of the average person, if you're on the road, you're coming from or going to a place that isn't home. And therefore, inevitably coming into contact with additional people than you would at home. I can think of a few exceptions to that, but not many. Us roadgeeks are the only ones that would go for a drive just for the joy of being on the road.
What about parks?
Those are sort of an exception... but if the ones with good walking trails get crowded, it's tough to maintain your 6 feet of "social distance".
Quote from: webny99 on March 17, 2020, 02:05:53 PM
New York's are saying:
STAY HOME
SAVE LIVES
Go back in time two weeks and try to imagine that.
Truly unbelievable.
Yesterday, the Gardiner westbound said something similar to TEMPORARY BORDER CLOSURE FOR ALL NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL. Also hard to believe not long ago! :-o
Quote from: 7/8 on March 22, 2020, 09:21:36 AM
Yesterday, the Gardiner westbound said something similar to TEMPORARY BORDER CLOSURE FOR ALL NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL. Also hard to believe not long ago! :-o
Yeah, it is crazy how fast things have changed. Literally 2 weeks ago, on the 8th, I was with some friends from Canada.
Yeah, all of INDOT's message boards that don't have incident or construction messages on them now read:
STATEWIDE ORDER
STAY AT HOME
ESSENTIAL TRIPS ONLY
It seems to be working on our Interstates here in Indy, but not having the desired effect on surface streets, where traffic is lighter but still busy.
A couple nights ago, I went to Syracuse.com and the very first picture was this:
(https://www.syracuse.com/resizer/FjTt-L1jxNeHxnWLYUFe_PCONJI=/1280x720/filters:focal(1101x1512:1111x1502)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-advancelocal.s3.amazonaws.com/public/MTKDRQDT3FAKDB5Y7D2X2UACPI.jpg)
Are hashtags allowed on road signs? Are they in the same category as URLs? I didn't even notice the missing space on the last line because I was so distracted by the hashtag.
Here's (https://www.syracuse.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-onondaga-county-schools-might-stay-closed-until-late-april.html) the article the picture was for. For some reason, some Syracuse.com articles have a different photo on the main page than in the article.
Quote from: 7/8 on March 22, 2020, 09:21:36 AM
Yesterday, the Gardiner westbound said something similar to TEMPORARY BORDER CLOSURE FOR ALL NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL. Also hard to believe not long ago! :-o
Metro Detroit VMSs have been showing this message for at least a week now:
ENTRY RESTRICTIONS
TO CANADA
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY
Seen yesterday on I-45:
STOP COVID-19
SAFE DISTANCES
SAVE LIVES
NO CLOSE
ENCOUNTERS
OF ANY KIND
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on April 05, 2020, 03:17:44 PM
Seen yesterday on I-45:
STOP COVID-19
SAFE DISTANCES
SAVE LIVES
NO CLOSE
ENCOUNTERS
OF ANY KIND
So no aliens?...not even the kind that give hugs after play a giant game of Simon with them?
Quote from: Michael on March 28, 2020, 03:19:20 PM
A couple nights ago, I went to Syracuse.com and the very first picture was this:
(https://www.syracuse.com/resizer/FjTt-L1jxNeHxnWLYUFe_PCONJI=/1280x720/filters:focal(1101x1512:1111x1502)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-advancelocal.s3.amazonaws.com/public/MTKDRQDT3FAKDB5Y7D2X2UACPI.jpg)
Are hashtags allowed on road signs? Are they in the same category as URLs? I didn't even notice the missing space on the last line because I was so distracted by the hashtag.
Here's (https://www.syracuse.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-onondaga-county-schools-might-stay-closed-until-late-april.html) the article the picture was for. For some reason, some Syracuse.com articles have a different photo on the main page than in the article.
NJ has used COVID19.NJ.GOV on most of their VMSs for the past few weeks
Today in CA 41:
Stay Home
Safe Lives
COVID
It almost read like the start of a commercial advertisement for Coronavirus.
DOTD gave us this helpful nugget last week:
"BE SAFE. DON'T TRAVEL IN GROUPS."
On a well-known human trafficking corridor, no less. Louisiana is run by idiots.
Quote from: jbnv on April 30, 2020, 06:26:01 PM
"BE SAFE. DON'T TRAVEL IN GROUPS."
That's right. Much better to spread out. :pan:
Quote from: kphoger on April 30, 2020, 08:06:52 PM
Quote from: jbnv on April 30, 2020, 06:26:01 PM
"BE SAFE. DON'T TRAVEL IN GROUPS."
That's right. Much better to spread out. :pan:
Who cares if it makes it easier for human traffickers and rapists to pick you off? :pan:
https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/05/knucklehead-highway-signs-were-a-1st-for-nj.html
In Nova Scotia,...
Screen 1: COVID-19 IS DEADLY
Screen 2: STOP SPREAD
Screen 3: STAY HOME
ConnDOT this week:
HELP OUR HEROS
PLEASE DON'T SPEED
Im sure those words will strike a chord in the hearts of man.
I saw that when next to I-95 on Tuesday. Easily visible while on a Shoreline East commuter train, heading west from New London towards New Haven. Perhaps in the Clinton/Madison stretch? :hmmm:
Quote from: MCRoads on March 20, 2020, 03:24:30 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 19, 2020, 04:31:21 PM
Fictional:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DSTEEP%2520DOWNHILL%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DDON%26%23039%3BT%2520CRASH%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D&hash=4ff02207dfd7cefa3b4ae869aa5ef4618ff08369)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DYOU%2520ARE%2520NOT%2520THE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DSTOCK%2520MARKET%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D&hash=e357223840947eb2c46cc9be027c1104082fdee1)
I-70 near the Jonson/Eisenhower Tunnels needs this!
they have the Truckers Don't Be Fooled signs
Seen today on eastbound US 29/78 approaching the beginning of the Stone Mountain Freeway:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DWASH%2520HANDS%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DOR%2520WE%2527RE%2520CALLING%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DYOUR%2520MOTHER&hash=f225c647b4e7100f8f0654a5404ed0f1df30673b)
Quote from: Eth on May 23, 2020, 02:06:52 PM
Seen today on eastbound US 29/78 approaching the beginning of the Stone Mountain Freeway:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DWASH%2520HANDS%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DOR%2520WE%2527RE%2520CALLING%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DYOUR%2520MOTHER&hash=f225c647b4e7100f8f0654a5404ed0f1df30673b)
Go ahead, DOT. My mother is sick of the hype too.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on May 10, 2020, 11:34:16 PM
ConnDOT this week:
HELP OUR HEROS
PLEASE DON'T SPEED
Im sure those words will strike a chord in the hearts of man.
Reminds me of the "Practice vehicle distancing, observe speed limit" in MA.
Not so much absurd as somewhat passive-aggressive, ConnDOT CT 2A @ Exit for Mohegan Sun / Mohegan Reservation
DON'
GAMBLE
W/ HEALTH
Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun reopened on Monday despite Governor's request that they stay closed until CT's Phase 2 begins, tentatively on the 20th. However, since the Mashuntucket Pequots and Mohegans have sovereignty on their lands....
That next phase of reopening will now be June 17th, according to ABC channel 8 of New Haven.
Quote from: Eth on May 23, 2020, 02:06:52 PM
Seen today on eastbound US 29/78 approaching the beginning of the Stone Mountain Freeway:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DWASH%2520HANDS%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DOR%2520WE%2527RE%2520CALLING%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DYOUR%2520MOTHER&hash=f225c647b4e7100f8f0654a5404ed0f1df30673b)
Do you have a hotline to the hereafter?
Found this off of Instagram, so I can't confirm if this is true or not (should it be true, the message likely had to do with the riots).
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200606/5a7ae62c7acd37e83c46d76b71c45e25.jpg)
SM-G965U
In response to the protests in Seattle:
(https://i.imgur.com/LuOSOoU.jpg)
NY has had recently:
WE ARE
NY TOUGH
Not sure if that's specific to upstate, or in use downstate as well.
During my morning commute, both yesterday and today:
BE ALERT
FOR
ORANGE SIGNS
OK, why? Is there a construction project starting soon? If so, when? And where?
Quote from: kphoger on July 02, 2020, 08:47:49 AM
During my morning commute, both yesterday and today:
BE ALERT
FOR
ORANGE SIGNS
OK, why? Is there a construction project starting soon? If so, when? And where?
I don't know, but when you find out, you won't be able to say you weren't warned.
Quote from: webny99 on July 02, 2020, 12:56:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 02, 2020, 08:47:49 AM
During my morning commute, both yesterday and today:
BE ALERT
FOR
ORANGE SIGNS
OK, why? Is there a construction project starting soon? If so, when? And where?
I don't know, but when you find out, you won't be able to say you weren't warned.
If I suddenly disappear from the forum soon, you can be sure an orange sign fell on my car and put me in the hospital.
If you're alert, hopefully you can get out of the way in time and that won't happen!
Quote from: Ben114 on May 27, 2020, 01:53:45 PM
Reminds me of the "Practice vehicle distancing, observe speed limit" in MA.
I'd forgotten about that one. But I do recall the time they tried using the spacing 'dots' on the upper section of I-91.
Quote from: kphoger on July 02, 2020, 01:23:48 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 02, 2020, 12:56:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 02, 2020, 08:47:49 AM
During my morning commute, both yesterday and today:
BE ALERT
FOR
ORANGE SIGNS
OK, why? Is there a construction project starting soon? If so, when? And where?
I don't know, but when you find out, you won't be able to say you weren't warned.
If I suddenly disappear from the forum soon, you can be sure an orange sign fell on my car and put me in the hospital.
Will insurance pay, or will they claim you weren't alert enough?
You're not a firework
Don't drive lit
Quote from: ozarkman417 on June 06, 2020, 11:20:02 AM
Found this off of Instagram, so I can't confirm if this is true or not (should it be true, the message likely had to do with the riots).
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200606/5a7ae62c7acd37e83c46d76b71c45e25.jpg)
SM-G965U
It's true. We saw one of those when the riots were going on.
Seen today on southbound M-10 in Southfield, MI. Umm, this VMS is located *at* Mt. Vernon Street, right at the end of the construction zone.
(https://i.imgur.com/arLDYb5.jpg)
Channeling Aretha (I-696 in Royal Oak, among others):
SHOW SOME
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
MASK UP!
seen on several signs in Louisville, KY.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DWHO%2520HATES%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DSPEEDING%2520TICKETS%26amp%3Bp1l3&hash=963964faf32a2d285a4abd5eec85f76aa8f5072c)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DRAISE%2520YOUR%26amp%3Bp1l2%3DRIGHT%2520FOOT%26amp%3Bp1l3%3D&hash=c6b553cb3293285093d82bb8fbab083e2f6b5b45)
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
Houston has been doing this as well, with "GO ASTROS!", "GO ROCKETS!", "GO TEXANS!" depending on the season (possibly variations for the Dynamo and Dash as well but I have not seen them).
Here's the latest from NY:
(screen 1)
SPEED LIMIT
STRICTLY ENFORCED
(screen 2)
BETTER LATE
THAN NEVER
That leaves quite a bit to the imagination. Are they referring to their enforcement?
Quote from: webny99 on August 07, 2020, 03:45:58 PM
Here's the latest from NY:
(screen 1)
SPEED LIMIT
STRICTLY ENFORCED
(screen 2)
BETTER LATE
THAN NEVER
That leaves quite a bit to the imagination. Are they referring to their enforcement?
I mean, given the unfortunately lackluster police presence in NYC over the past several weeks, it very much could.
On the way to work this morning, I saw...
EXIT CLOSED
NB I135 AT I235
...which seems useful and clear.
Except that it didn't use a serif font. So it ended up looking like 'NB 1135 AT 1235' instead.
Quote from: skquinn on August 03, 2020, 06:23:52 AM
Quote from: Bruce on July 10, 2015, 01:22:12 AM
Technically a VMS, but Seattle's buses often switch to a "GO SEAHAWKS", "GO SOUNDERS" or "GO MARINERS" sign instead of their destination. It's a nice gesture, but it actually makes things inconvenient for bus riders and thus should be limited to stretches without any stops.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15627975495_8d9b0c5d08_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn)Metro 2716 "Go Sounders" at 3rd & Pine (https://flic.kr/p/pNZsDn) by SounderBruce (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sounderbruce/), on Flickr
(Sorry for the blurry pic)
Houston has been doing this as well, with "GO ASTROS!", "GO ROCKETS!", "GO TEXANS!" depending on the season (possibly variations for the Dynamo and Dash as well but I have not seen them).
Oh, SEPTA does it too on their buses and trolleys too. I caught a "GO SIXERS!" sign on a K-Car on my first full ride on the Route 36 trolley in 2011.
You know, when I'm looking at the front of a bus, I really just want to know if it's the right route. Show me the route number and name/destination. Flip between the two. Whatever. But don't make me wait through a nonsense message that doesn't tell me if I need to flag the driver down or not.
Portable VMSs were installed on some of the major throughfares entering Springfield, MO city limits (excluding freeways). They read the following message:
FOR AGES 12+
FACE COVERING REQUIRED
I don't think that's necessarily absurd. It would not surprise me at all to learn that Springfield passed a mask mandate and, say, Republic rejected it.
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 09, 2020, 03:11:42 PM
I don't think that's necessarily absurd. It would not surprise me at all to learn that Springfield passed a mask mandate and, say, Republic rejected it.
Why would you need a mask while driving?
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 09, 2020, 03:11:42 PM
I don't think that's necessarily absurd. It would not surprise me at all to learn that Springfield passed a mask mandate and, say, Republic rejected it.
Ozark and Nixa rejected theirs.
Quote from: 1 on October 09, 2020, 03:13:20 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 09, 2020, 03:11:42 PM
I don't think that's necessarily absurd. It would not surprise me at all to learn that Springfield passed a mask mandate and, say, Republic rejected it.
Why would you need a mask while driving?
I would assume the message was directed at those with an intended destination in Springfield, so that they would know that they would be required to wear a mask when they got out of the car and not be caught unaware after they parked and saw the message taped to the front door.
I imagine it was less of an issue in the Northeast, but here in Oklahoma there was a period of a couple of months where it was kind of hard to keep track of which municipalities had a mask mandate and which didn't. There were people posting angry comments on local news sites posting about how they would only shop in X suburb that wasn't requiring masks. That has all sort of died down now that...er...the local populace has started to sort of die down.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on October 09, 2020, 03:15:48 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 09, 2020, 03:11:42 PM
I don't think that's necessarily absurd. It would not surprise me at all to learn that Springfield passed a mask mandate and, say, Republic rejected it.
Ozark and Nixa rejected theirs.
Ah, the usual suspects.
I recently got back from a camping trip in Colorado. Where Stanton County RD 12 becomes CO-116 east of Two Buttes, there was a portable VMS advising that face masks were required in Colorado. If such was present at such a minor state line crossing (120 AADT), then I have to imagine they're present at least at every state highway entrance.
As someone who rides the bus, I like seeing messages that are fun. It makes me feel a bit better that the transit authority is wishing me well. What Mountain Metro usually does is something like:
ROUTE [NUMBER]
VIA [ROAD]
TO [DESTINATION]
[OTHER MESSAGE]
Where the "other message" is usually
HAVE A NICE DAY, THANK YOU, REMEMBER TO SMILE, and, of corse, MASKS ARE REQUIRED.
Usually these are cycled so that each line is displayed about 2-3 seconds.
Just saw this in Missouri:
Quote
TRICK OR TREAT
YOURSELF TO
A SEAT BELT
What if I choose "trick"?
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2020, 02:18:51 PM
Just saw this in Missouri:
Quote
TRICK OR TREAT
YOURSELF TO
A SEAT BELT
What if I choose "trick"?
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.istockphoto.com%2Fvectors%2Fpolice-officer-giving-traffic-ticket-vector-id148330668&f=1&nofb=1)
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2020, 02:18:51 PM
Just saw this in Missouri:
Quote
TRICK OR TREAT
YOURSELF TO
A SEAT BELT
What a bait and switch! :-(
MO had a pretty good
Dirty Harry themed one the other day. "Go ahead, make my day. Buckle up."
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2020, 02:18:51 PM
Just saw this in Missouri:
Quote
TRICK OR TREAT
YOURSELF TO
A SEAT BELT
What if I choose "trick"?
Another Halloween themed one, found on 44 by Joplin (according to the MoDOT traveler info map):
SEAT BELTS
SAVE LIVES
NO HOCUS POCUS
It was on I-44 that I saw it, actually. Somewhere between Springfield and Carthage.
Quote from: kphoger on October 22, 2020, 11:43:19 AM
It was on I-44 that I saw it, actually. Somewhere between Springfield and Carthage.
MODOT likes getting cute with their message boards. There was a Start Trek-type message a few months ago near Joplin.
US 60- Cabool, MO-
Stay alert- don't drive on a Holi-Daze
Quote from: ozarkman417 on November 23, 2020, 02:24:07 PM
US 60- Cabool, MO-
Stay alert- don't drive on a Holi-Daze
:facpalm: It shouldn't take four times as long to figure out what it means as it does to read it in the first place.
I-495 northbound between exits 39 and 40: A few small sections are burned out, so it tells you to wear a mask when "CARPOO ING" with non-family.
Saw this one on I-75 in Georgia on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving:
GOBBLE GOBBLE
DONT DRIVE IF
YOU WOBBLE
New York recently is in love with:
ONE SMALL ASK
WEAR A MASK
There was a funnier (or at least weirder) one about mask-wearing over the holiday weekend.
EDIT: I think it was:
DON'T BE A TURKEY
WEAR A MASK
OK, I guess!? :confused:
Quote from: webny99 on December 03, 2020, 12:01:19 PM
New York recently is in love with:
ONE SMALL ASK
WEAR A MASK
I generally dislike virus-related messages on VMSes, especially ones that tell you what "your duty" is. Leave the VMSes for traffic-related messages. But that one is polite, succinct, and really pretty decent. In fact, I'd go so far as to say I wouldn't mind seeing other states' departments use it as their go-to public health message (if they must have one at all).
Yeah, it works. It's getting pretty tired considering we were one of the first states to adopt widespread mask wearing, but other than that, I have no qualms with it.
Speaking of the First State, it's certainly better than:
PRACTICE CORONA COURTESIES
which I saw plenty of in Delaware over the summer. What does that even mean? The least one can do is be specific, and NY at least does that, usually.
Quote from: webny99 on December 03, 2020, 12:46:15 PM
Speaking of the First State, it's certainly better than:
PRACTICE CORONA COURTESIES
which I saw plenty of in Delaware over the summer. What does that even mean? The least one can do is be specific, and NY at least does that, usually.
Maybe it means asking permission before infecting someone. But more likely, it means sharing your beer with others. :cheers:
Quote from: kphoger on December 03, 2020, 02:06:30 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 03, 2020, 12:46:15 PM
PRACTICE CORONA COURTESIES
which I saw plenty of in Delaware over the summer. What does that even mean? ...
... But more likely, it means sharing your beer with others. :cheers:
Now we're talking! :cheers:
We saw one on I-696 yesterday
ENDANGERED PERSON
[Car description]
[License plate]
Huh? What are we supposed to do if we see that red car? And what does "endangered" mean - they are in immediate peril and we should intervene? Or someone just wants to know where they are?
Quote from: GaryV on December 10, 2020, 12:29:39 PM
We saw one on I-696 yesterday
ENDANGERED PERSON
[Car description]
[License plate]
Huh? What are we supposed to do if we see that red car? And what does "endangered" mean - they are in immediate peril and we should intervene? Or someone just wants to know where they are?
I saw those too. It's equivalent to the AMBER Alerts issued for abducted children. Contact emergency authorities if you see the vehicle. I assume requests are vetted against a list of criteria so VMSs don't turn into arena scoreboards displaying birthday greetings and the like.
Quote from: GaryV on December 10, 2020, 12:29:39 PM
We saw one on I-696 yesterday
ENDANGERED PERSON
[Car description]
[License plate]
Huh? What are we supposed to do if we see that red car? And what does "endangered" mean - they are in immediate peril and we should intervene? Or someone just wants to know where they are?
I take it you're not exactly the most helpful person in an emergency...
Quote from: GaryV on December 10, 2020, 12:29:39 PM
And what does "endangered" mean ... ?
There's only one of that particular person left alive, as far as anyone knows, therefore he or she is endangered. It probably has to do with global warming or cornfields in the rainforest.
Quote from: GaryV on December 10, 2020, 12:29:39 PM
We saw one on I-696 yesterday
ENDANGERED PERSON
[Car description]
[License plate]
Huh? What are we supposed to do if we see that red car? And what does "endangered" mean - they are in immediate peril and we should intervene? Or someone just wants to know where they are?
Here in Arizona we call these Silver Alerts. Other states that post Silver Alerts on DMS in addition to Arizona I think are California, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin. I'm guessing this is new to Michigan.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on December 10, 2020, 09:05:08 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 10, 2020, 12:29:39 PM
We saw one on I-696 yesterday
ENDANGERED PERSON
[Car description]
[License plate]
Huh? What are we supposed to do if we see that red car? And what does "endangered" mean - they are in immediate peril and we should intervene? Or someone just wants to know where they are?
Here in Arizona we call these Silver Alerts. Other states that post Silver Alerts on DMS in addition to Arizona I think are California, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin. I'm guessing this is new to Michigan.
Illinois does it, too
Driving from Chicagoland to Southern IL on Sat after Thanksgiving, the same Silver Alert message for a vehicle was on every VMS from IL 390's west termination to south of Mt Vernon on I-57 that I drove that night - both ISTHA and IDOT VMSs
Given that the last Amber alert I got was from Phoenix (and my wife in the next room didn't get it), I'm not surprised that MI isn't on top of everything.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on December 10, 2020, 09:05:08 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 10, 2020, 12:29:39 PM
We saw one on I-696 yesterday
ENDANGERED PERSON
[Car description]
[License plate]
Huh? What are we supposed to do if we see that red car? And what does "endangered" mean - they are in immediate peril and we should intervene? Or someone just wants to know where they are?
Here in Arizona we call these Silver Alerts. Other states that post Silver Alerts on DMS in addition to Arizona I think are California, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin. I'm guessing this is new to Michigan.
When NJ started posting them, Grandpa (and yes, I'm using that generically) seemed to get lost...a LOT! It was getting to the point where every day there was a Silver Alert posted...and NJDOT would post them statewide. Some days, the alert would say "2 Silver Alerts". While the law stated they should be mentioned on TV and radio as well, I don't recall any of them ever being broadcasted that way. And then, for some reason, the VMS alerts dropped dramatically, as if they issued some sort of guideline that dramatically reduced the reasons or timelines of the alerts.
I know I have seen the same license plate posted 2 or 3 times, so apparently that particular family has an issue with Grandpa getting ahold of the keys!
Delaware uses them too, but because they always have to be different, they call them Gold Alerts.
I've seen signs similar to the ones being discussed, but I don't recall the word "ENDANGERED" specifically ever being used in New York.
General information about alerts here: https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/missing/who-we-are.html
The VMS's usually say:
MISSING ADULT
[Car description]
[License plate]
I was driving through Iowa City, IA, in July around midnight and I saw this sign on US-218:
MISSING CHILD DAVENPORT IA
[CAR DESCRIPTION]]
[LICENSE PLATE]
And then on the second page
CALL 911
This morning, I saw the below in Wichita:
TRAFFIC DEATHS
UP 5%
* flip *
WEAR SEAT BELTS
And all I could think was,
Yeah, and drownings go up in the summer, too. I mean, we're in a pandemic, and Thanksgiving was just a couple of weeks ago. Is it any surprise that traffic deaths are up? If anything, I'd have expected the increase to be
more than 5%...
Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2020, 01:04:31 PM
This morning, I saw the below in Wichita:
TRAFFIC DEATHS
UP 5%
* flip *
WEAR SEAT BELTS
And all I could think was, Yeah, and drownings go up in the summer, too. I mean, we're in a pandemic, and Thanksgiving was just a couple of weeks ago. Is it any surprise that traffic deaths are up? If anything, I'd have expected the increase to be more than 5%...
I think I saw somewhere that because of COVID, MVC deaths are DOWN from last year, but I saw that in September, so that might not be true anymore.
Quote from: webny99 on December 11, 2020, 09:59:05 AM
I've seen signs similar to the ones being discussed, but I don't recall the word "ENDANGERED" specifically ever being used in New York.
General information about alerts here: https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/missing/who-we-are.html
The VMS's usually say:
MISSING ADULT
[Car description]
[License plate]
"Vulnerable" is a term we use. NYCEM uses the hashtag #MissingVulnerableAdult in its notices, but also sometimes just #SilverAlert. (I don't know if there's a distinction between the two.)
Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2020, 01:04:31 PM
This morning, I saw the below in Wichita:
[snipped]
And all I could think was, Yeah, and drownings go up in the summer, too. I mean, we're in a pandemic, and Thanksgiving was just a couple of weeks ago. Is it any surprise that traffic deaths are up? If anything, I'd have expected the increase to be more than 5%...
Up from when, though?
You might expect traffic deaths around Thanksgiving to be higher compared to a month prior, but in this case, they should certainly still be lower than last Thanksgiving.
Quote from: webny99 on December 11, 2020, 04:58:41 PM
Up from when, though?
Well, that was the question my rational mind later asked.
But nobody was around to give me the answer.
Quote from: MCRoads on December 11, 2020, 04:08:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2020, 01:04:31 PM
This morning, I saw the below in Wichita:
TRAFFIC DEATHS
UP 5%
* flip *
WEAR SEAT BELTS
And all I could think was, Yeah, and drownings go up in the summer, too. I mean, we're in a pandemic, and Thanksgiving was just a couple of weeks ago. Is it any surprise that traffic deaths are up? If anything, I'd have expected the increase to be more than 5%...
I think I saw somewhere that because of COVID, MVC deaths are DOWN from last year, but I saw that in September, so that might not be true anymore.
As has been asked, up from when? Michigan posted its usual monthly death count on VMSs last week and the statewide year-to-date count was
up 59 compared to the year-to-date count at the same time in 2019. (Coincidentally, that's about a 5% increase.) With near-empty roads for three months back when the pandemic started, and reduced traffic volumes since, one would expect a significant reduction year-to-date over last year. But maybe I'm not surprised at the increased traffic deaths given the increased number of weaving speed demons I see living out their
Fast and the Furious-type fantasies on the Detroit freeways.
North of Nashville on I-65, yesterday:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50722771106_688570fb04_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2khcsGj)
NO VALENTINE?
YOUR SEAT BELT
WILL HOLD YOU
Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2021, 11:29:17 AM
NO VALENTINE?
YOUR SEAT BELT
WILL HOLD YOU
Could also be interpreted as "Be as much of a f*** as you want, you'll be fine if you're wearing a seatbelt, never mind who else might be killed because of your idiocy." Which goes to show these people need to think twice when coming up with these cutesy phrases.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 14, 2021, 09:59:12 AM
Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2021, 11:29:17 AM
NO VALENTINE?
YOUR SEAT BELT
WILL HOLD YOU
Could also be interpreted as "Be as much of a f*** as you want, you'll be fine if you're wearing a seatbelt, never mind who else might be killed because of your idiocy." Which goes to show these people need to think twice when coming up with these cutesy phrases.
I find that to be an extreme interpretation. I don't think a whole lot of people would take it as a license to drive recklessly.
Quote from: webny99 on June 07, 2020, 10:48:33 PM
NY has had recently:
WE ARE
NY TOUGH
Not sure if that's specific to upstate, or in use downstate as well.
I really wish I could respond
WELL DONE, GOVERNOR
CAN I GET MEDIUM?
Quote from: Rothman on February 14, 2021, 10:16:18 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 14, 2021, 09:59:12 AM
Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2021, 11:29:17 AM
NO VALENTINE?
YOUR SEAT BELT
WILL HOLD YOU
Could also be interpreted as "Be as much of a f*** as you want, you'll be fine if you're wearing a seatbelt, never mind who else might be killed because of your idiocy." Which goes to show these people need to think twice when coming up with these cutesy phrases.
I find that to be an extreme interpretation. I don't think a whole lot of people would take it as a license to drive recklessly.
That reminds me of something I saw while driving through Tennessee a few years back that read something like "I-40 CHALLENGE/ STATE TROOPER EVERY 20 MILES". I remember joking with my parents at the time that we should wait to pass the first trooper we see, kick it up to 120 for the next 19 miles, slow back down at mile 20, and do it all over again :sombrero:
Quote from: kalvado on February 14, 2021, 11:22:51 AM
Quote from: webny99 on June 07, 2020, 10:48:33 PM
NY has had recently:
WE ARE
NY TOUGH
Not sure if that's specific to upstate, or in use downstate as well.
I really wish I could respond
WELL DONE, GOVERNOR
CAN I GET MEDIUM?
I know this is an older post, and mildly off topic, but I am so tired of the "#(blank)Strong" or "#(blank)Tough" type catchphrase garbage. I've seen it before 2020, but with the virus and political tensions, it's become commonplace now.
It is completely meaningless drivel made to think that the people in charge are actually making a positive difference. No, being apart of a specific state, college, business, or neighborhood does not make me "strong" or "tough" or "brave". My own qualities, independent of where I am and what I associate with, make those characteristics.
Putting it on a VMS is just the cherry on top.
I posted an intersection in the redesign this intersection thread (288B @ Wilkins in Angleton, TX for those interested) because it's honestly not great. And it appears TxDot attempted to solve it ... with a portable VMS. It said something like this:
HIGH CRASH VOLUME
INTERSECTION AHEAD
--------------------------
USE CAUTION
Earlier in the pandemic, I saw another VMS there that said something about social distancing and masks, but I don't really feel that counts in the cultural climate of today.
Has anyone seen a funny VMS in North Carolina? Here, I have not seen any except the time travel or if there's an accident or AMBER alert, etc.
Wichita had recently been using VMS messsages that I think are absurd. They may not seem that way at first, though, so let me explain. Here's an example, but there have been others like it:
[ REDUCE TRAFFIC FATALITIES / WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT ]
OK, why put anything on the sign other than just 'wear your seat belt'? The only reason would be to make the message personal, to make the person think about the potential consequences to himself or loved ones. After all, the only person whose life is saved by a seat belt is the one wearing that seat belt.
In that light, I think they could have gone with 'your family is waiting for you' or 'arrive alive' or something like that–make people think about their life and those of the ones they love. But nobody (!) is going to buckle up in order to change what number is at the bottom of a spreadsheet in some state agency's computer. 'Traffic fatalities' is in no way personal. It's just a number on a spreadsheet.
Quote from: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 09:53:48 AMBut nobody (!) is going to buckle up in order to change what number is at the bottom of a spreadsheet in some state agency's computer. 'Traffic fatalities' is in no way personal. It's just a number on a spreadsheet.
On the other hand, "reducing traffic fatalities" in general isn't an issue that you want to end up on the wrong side of.
Quote from: Rothman on February 14, 2021, 10:16:18 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 14, 2021, 09:59:12 AM
Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2021, 11:29:17 AM
NO VALENTINE?
YOUR SEAT BELT
WILL HOLD YOU
Could also be interpreted as "Be as much of a f*** as you want, you'll be fine if you're wearing a seatbelt, never mind who else might be killed because of your idiocy." Which goes to show these people need to think twice when coming up with these cutesy phrases.
I find that to be an extreme interpretation. I don't think a whole lot of people would take it as a license to drive recklessly.
On I295 in VA it says
EASE UP LEADFOOT
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 27, 2021, 07:49:04 PM
Has anyone seen a funny VMS in North Carolina? Here, I have not seen any except the time travel or if there's an accident or AMBER alert, etc.
I should think a time traveling VMS would actually be quite droll.
Quote from: empirestate on April 03, 2021, 07:24:43 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 27, 2021, 07:49:04 PM
Has anyone seen a funny VMS in North Carolina? Here, I have not seen any except the time travel or if there's an accident or AMBER alert, etc.
I should think a time traveling VMS would actually be quite droll.
Not to me.
Quote from: empirestate on April 03, 2021, 07:24:43 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 27, 2021, 07:49:04 PM
Has anyone seen a funny VMS in North Carolina? Here, I have not seen any except the time travel or if there's an accident or AMBER alert, etc.
I should think a time traveling VMS would actually be quite droll.
"TRAFFIC PATTERNS CHANGE
I-70 OPENING 11/14/56"
Last night I saw a VMS saying "EXSPECT DELAYS" and I was so distracted by the misspelling I didn't notice what else the sign said.
Quote from: tolbs17 on April 03, 2021, 07:46:09 PM
Quote from: empirestate on April 03, 2021, 07:24:43 PM
I should think a time traveling VMS would actually be quite droll.
Not to me.
Maybe it depends whether you play it more H. G. Wells, or Marty McFly.
I've noticed a trend:, and I don't know if this is new, but:
I have seen a lot more VMSs at work zones lately simply showing
ROADWORK
AHEAD
USE CAUTION
This seems a rather pointless use of these signs. Most, if not all, drivers are aware that you need to slow down/pay attention. But moreover, I see them used where they are absolutely not needed. They are doing repairs to curbs/pavement near my house, on roads with a 20 mph speed limit, and a roundabout that forces you to go 10-15 mph. But, what do they have there? A sign pointlessly displaying such a message. Mind you, my neiborhood is designed in a way to eliminate thru traffic, so this sign is just telling people that live there that construction is happening. Why not but that sign to use saying something like:
XX RD CLOSED
FROM MAR XX
TO APR XX
USE DETOUR OF
XX LANE VIA
XX ST
Still somewhat pointless, but it actually tells you something you might not know.
Some NYC expressways have VMS messages that read something like this:
DELAYS TO I-XXX
or
DELAYS TO XXXXXX PKWY
It's a pretty simple message, but it's also vague enough to be pointless. One cannot drive in New York City and
not expect delays. Plus, chances are, by the time you see this sign, you could be already slowed down and in traffic. The only time a message like this makes sense is when it is accompanied by specific travel times or travel information, like "DELAYS - 15 MIN TO GCP" or "DELAYS - WORK ZONE - LANE CLOSURES AHEAD"
I mean, "Delays to I-240" could be useful or not, depending on the meaning of to there. If I see that when I'm already on I-240, yeah, it's pretty vague and meaningless. If I'm northbound on I-35 and I see it (meaning delays on I-35 through I-240), then I'm gonna think about bailing out at Shields Boulevard and bypass the traffic jam.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2021, 08:59:05 PM
I mean, "Delays to I-240" could be useful or not, depending on the meaning of to there. If I see that when I'm already on I-240, yeah, it's pretty vague and meaningless. If I'm northbound on I-35 and I see it (meaning delays on I-35 through I-240), then I'm gonna think about bailing out at Shields Boulevard and bypass the traffic jam.
But in the specific context of NYC, it's rarely feasible, by the time you see the message, to bail out and find any kind of a better route. You're either already in traffic (as noted above), or any nearby exits will just take you through congested neighborhoods. The finding of an alternate route is something that usually has to happen on the trip-planning level.
Quote from: empirestate on April 05, 2021, 09:56:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2021, 08:59:05 PM
I mean, "Delays to I-240" could be useful or not, depending on the meaning of to there. If I see that when I'm already on I-240, yeah, it's pretty vague and meaningless. If I'm northbound on I-35 and I see it (meaning delays on I-35 through I-240), then I'm gonna think about bailing out at Shields Boulevard and bypass the traffic jam.
But in the specific context of NYC, it's rarely feasible, by the time you see the message, to bail out and find any kind of a better route. You're either already in traffic (as noted above), or any nearby exits will just take you through congested neighborhoods. The finding of an alternate route is something that usually has to happen on the trip-planning level.
^This is what I meant.
Other far less than useful messages I've seen in Metro Detroit are along the lines of "Accident at Springwells, Left Lane Blocked". All well and good if you know where Springwells is. But if you're traveling, you probably don't know at all; if you don't drive that way often you probably only have a vague idea of where it is. Why can't they give the exit number?
Quote from: vtk on April 04, 2021, 01:35:13 PM
Last night I saw a VMS saying "EXSPECT DELAYS" and I was so distracted by the misspelling I didn't notice what else the sign said.
Some of the VMSes around Wichita lately have been saying "REDUCE TRAFFIC FATALITIES / DON'T DRIVE DISTRACTED". I turned to my wife the other day and said, "Isn't there a fundamental problem with those signs telling you to not drive distracted?"
I also don't understand why they abbreviate words on some VMSs when there is more than enough space to write out the entire word, like "EXP DLYS TO I-XXX + CRS BX PKWY". I recently drove past a COVID vaccination center, and a large VMS said "COVD VAX PKNG" on three separate lines.
Quote from: GaryV on April 05, 2021, 02:46:18 PM
Other far less than useful messages I've seen in Metro Detroit are along the lines of "Accident at Springwells, Left Lane Blocked". All well and good if you know where Springwells is. But if you're traveling, you probably don't know at all; if you don't drive that way often you probably only have a vague idea of where it is. Why can't they give the exit number?
I agree, and even less useful is the lack of information regarding impact on traffic. Is there just a minor slowdown, or is traffic at a multi-mile-long standstill?
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 06, 2021, 03:00:27 PM
I also don't understand why they abbreviate words on some VMSs when there is more than enough space to write out the entire word, like "EXP DLYS TO I-XXX + CRS BX PKWY". I recently drove past a COVID vaccination center, and a large VMS said "COVD VAX PKNG" on three separate lines.
For that first one, none of those are MUTCD-approved abbreviations, and "DLYS" I would presume would be disallowed (given that "DLY" is expressly forbidden due to the potential to confuse "delay" with "daily").
I assume the second one is a portable VMS. Most portable VMSs are fixed 8-character lines, so there is no reason to abbreviate "COVID" or "Parking" (the MUTCD-approved abbreviation is actually "PKING"). "VAX" is recognizable enough with "COVID" as a prompt, but you can still fit "VACCINE" on one line.
Quote from: vtk on April 04, 2021, 01:35:13 PM
Last night I saw a VMS saying "EXSPECT DELAYS" and I was so distracted by the misspelling I didn't notice what else the sign said.
See also my post about "EXPERT DELAYS" and "EXCEPT DELAYS" VMSes (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=15846.msg2073986#msg2073986) near Bedford VA, many years ago. The first might've been an admission of what construction crews are really best at, but maybe both were just dyslexia.
VDOT's 511 website claims the VMS along I-295 North at MM13 reads:
Quote
I-64
15 MILES
14 MIN
Quote
I-95
30 MILES
13 MIN
In order to travel the 30 miles in 13 minutes, a motorist would need to be traveling about 138.46 mph.
ONLY THE CASSEROLE
SHOULD BE BAKED
DON'T DRIVE HIGH
https://www.universalhub.com/2021/if-youre-doing-kessel-run-12-parsecs-watch-out#new
Posted all over Massachusetts:
WEAR YOUR MASK
Wear your mask where? Wear it in the car whilst driving? Wear it outdoors on Cape Cod out of season with no one around?
CHANGING LANES???? USE YA BLINKAH
but I don't see these type of messages in North Carolina and New Jersey.
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on May 04, 2021, 02:41:29 PM
Posted all over Massachusetts:
WEAR YOUR MASK
Wear your mask where? Wear it in the car whilst driving? Wear it outdoors on Cape Cod out of season with no one around?
While having sex (https://nypost.com/2020/06/02/couples-should-wear-face-masks-during-sex-new-study-insists/), of course (not NSFW).
Massachusetts went full goober-boomer today with multiple May 4th things. So bad I don't even remember them, but there were three.
Meanwhile these messages were up after a major accident causing gridlock on US 3 in Billerica, so God forbid they adjust them to convey actual information that is important. At least you made a small subset of humanity giggle...
Another MDOT (Michigan) winner. The ramps from M-10 to eastbound M-8 are actually closed for the next week. That would be a nice tidbit to know. Instead, we're told about lane closures on a freeway we can't access.
(https://i.imgur.com/WKh7P2N.jpg)
Quote from: roadman on May 04, 2021, 02:37:59 PM
https://www.universalhub.com/2021/if-youre-doing-kessel-run-12-parsecs-watch-out#new
The funny thing is, that a Parsec is a unit of distance (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsec). That was never really explained in Star Wars, but there's probably some cannon explosion somewhere I just don't know.
Quote from: MCRoads on May 05, 2021, 10:13:40 AM
Quote from: roadman on May 04, 2021, 02:37:59 PM
https://www.universalhub.com/2021/if-youre-doing-kessel-run-12-parsecs-watch-out#new
The funny thing is, that a Parsec is a unit of distance (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsec). That was never really explained in Star Wars, but there's probably some cannon explosion somewhere I just don't know.
(https://comb.io/aZlJD4.gif)
Quote from: MCRoads on May 05, 2021, 10:13:40 AM
Quote from: roadman on May 04, 2021, 02:37:59 PM
https://www.universalhub.com/2021/if-youre-doing-kessel-run-12-parsecs-watch-out#new
The funny thing is, that a Parsec is a unit of distance (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsec). That was never really explained in Star Wars, but there's probably some cannon explosion somewhere I just don't know.
This really threw me off as a kid.
Quote from: MCRoads on May 05, 2021, 10:13:40 AM
Quote from: roadman on May 04, 2021, 02:37:59 PM
https://www.universalhub.com/2021/if-youre-doing-kessel-run-12-parsecs-watch-out#new
The funny thing is, that a Parsec is a unit of distance (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsec). That was never really explained in Star Wars, but there's probably some cannon explosion somewhere I just don't know.
The Solo movie a few years ago tried to explain that he took a dangerous shortcut on the Kessel Run. Doesn't really explain it, but just "hand waved" over it.
Quote from: FrCorySticha on May 05, 2021, 10:31:42 AM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 05, 2021, 10:13:40 AM
Quote from: roadman on May 04, 2021, 02:37:59 PM
https://www.universalhub.com/2021/if-youre-doing-kessel-run-12-parsecs-watch-out#new
The funny thing is, that a Parsec is a unit of distance (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsec). That was never really explained in Star Wars, but there's probably some cannon explosion somewhere I just don't know.
The Solo movie a few years ago tried to explain that he took a dangerous shortcut on the Kessel Run. Doesn't really explain it, but just "hand waved" over it.
It's like Star Trek geeks endlessly coming up with canon-related explanations of why Klingons look so different in The Original Series than they do in all the other series. (
Deep Space Nine humorously acknowledged this and deliberately blew it off by having Worf say "We do not discuss it with Outsiders."
Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 06, 2021, 01:12:21 PM
Quote from: FrCorySticha on May 05, 2021, 10:31:42 AM
Quote from: MCRoads on May 05, 2021, 10:13:40 AM
Quote from: roadman on May 04, 2021, 02:37:59 PM
https://www.universalhub.com/2021/if-youre-doing-kessel-run-12-parsecs-watch-out#new
The funny thing is, that a Parsec is a unit of distance (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsec). That was never really explained in Star Wars, but there's probably some cannon explosion somewhere I just don't know.
The Solo movie a few years ago tried to explain that he took a dangerous shortcut on the Kessel Run. Doesn't really explain it, but just "hand waved" over it.
It's like Star Trek geeks endlessly coming up with canon-related explanations of why Klingons look so different in The Original Series than they do in all the other series. (Deep Space Nine humorously acknowledged this and deliberately blew it off by having Worf say "We do not discuss it with Outsiders."
FYI: Well after the DS9 episode aired, a canon explanation for this phenomenon came about in a two-episode story arc during season 4 of
Enterprise: a Klingon augment virus (https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Klingon_augment_virus)
Today I passed by a VMS that said this simply:
VERY SLOW
TO WARDEN
Usually, a normal message would be like
401 COLLECTORS VERY SLOW
TO WARDEN
but in the end, it was not a correct message anyways, as there was no slowdown
^^ I don't understand the "TO WARDEN" part. :confused:
Quote from: Big John on May 08, 2021, 07:35:02 PM
^^ I don't understand the "TO WARDEN" part. :confused:
Street name
Quote from: andrepoiy on May 08, 2021, 07:33:15 PM
Today I passed by a VMS that said this simply:
VERY SLOW
TO WARDEN
Usually, a normal message would be like
401 COLLECTORS VERY SLOW
TO WARDEN
but in the end, it was not a correct message anyways, as there was no slowdown
I'm assuming the VMS was bugged?
Nevada DOT is running a contest through June 15 to pick new safety messages to be displayed on VMSs statewide.
https://www.dot.nv.gov/safety/digital-message-sign-contest
The contenders:
- When Driving, Use Your Thinker and Your Blinker
- That's The Temperature, Not the Speed Limit
- Texts Means Wrecks
- It's Not a Race, Leave Some Space
- There is No Need to Drive At Warp Speed
- Practice Vehicle Social Distancing. Don't Tailgate
- Your Seat Belt Looks Good On You
- Gamble at the Casino, Not Your Car. Buckle Up!
- Camp In The Mountains, Not the Left Lane
- Turn Signals Come Free with Vehicles. Use Them.
- Don't Get Exhausted. Tailgating Blows.
I like the left lane one, Virginia has something similar they'll post around Labor Day... "Camp in state parks, not the left lane"
Quote from: Kniwt on May 18, 2021, 07:00:19 PM
Nevada DOT is running a contest through June 15 to pick new safety messages to be displayed on VMSs statewide.
https://www.dot.nv.gov/safety/digital-message-sign-contest
The contenders:
- When Driving, Use Your Thinker and Your Blinker
- That's The Temperature, Not the Speed Limit
- Texts Means Wrecks
- It's Not a Race, Leave Some Space
- There is No Need to Drive At Warp Speed
- Practice Vehicle Social Distancing. Don't Tailgate
- Your Seat Belt Looks Good On You
- Gamble at the Casino, Not Your Car. Buckle Up!
- Camp In The Mountains, Not the Left Lane
- Turn Signals Come Free with Vehicles. Use Them.
- Don't Get Exhausted. Tailgating Blows.
Some of these are very witty. I like that. Is the contest still accepting entries?
Quote from: MCRoads on May 20, 2021, 09:18:58 AM
Quote from: Kniwt on May 18, 2021, 07:00:19 PM
Nevada DOT is running a contest through June 15 to pick new safety messages to be displayed on VMSs statewide.
https://www.dot.nv.gov/safety/digital-message-sign-contest
The contenders:
- When Driving, Use Your Thinker and Your Blinker
- That's The Temperature, Not the Speed Limit
- Texts Means Wrecks
- It's Not a Race, Leave Some Space
- There is No Need to Drive At Warp Speed
- Practice Vehicle Social Distancing. Don't Tailgate
- Your Seat Belt Looks Good On You
- Gamble at the Casino, Not Your Car. Buckle Up!
- Camp In The Mountains, Not the Left Lane
- Turn Signals Come Free with Vehicles. Use Them.
- Don't Get Exhausted. Tailgating Blows.
Some of these are very witty. I like that. Is the contest still accepting entries?
I thought these types of messages got banned.
Banned by whom?
Quote from: kphoger on May 20, 2021, 05:01:09 PM
Banned by whom?
I think there's a provision in the proposed MUTCD 11e that bans them. Of course, it hasn't gotten officially finalized and approved yet.
Texas doesn't know how to spell TAILGATING.
(https://i.imgur.com/IawhQHp.jpg)
I feel like this would be more appropriate in Florida.
(https://s04.tcuniverse.com/vkmedia_store/2017/05/C4hfui7UL43FZpET/sizes/clean/pics_099_clean_790.jpg)
VK magizine
Quote from: Big John on June 14, 2021, 10:54:06 PM
(https://s04.tcuniverse.com/vkmedia_store/2017/05/C4hfui7UL43FZpET/sizes/clean/pics_099_clean_790.jpg)
VK magizine
Well, you should also restrain your cats while traveling, as a 15 pound projectile (even if it is a fluff ball) can do a lot of damage to the occupants of a car.
I travel with unrestrained 15-pound objects in the car all the time. Maybe I should start seat-belting my groceries...
Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 08:18:08 PM
I travel with unrestrained 15-pound objects in the car all the time. Maybe I should start seat-belting my groceries...
Well, usually we put our groceries in the cargo space, so they aren't as dangerous as a cat or dog in the passenger compartment.
Quote from: Kniwt on May 18, 2021, 07:00:19 PM
Nevada DOT is running a contest through June 15 to pick new safety messages to be displayed on VMSs statewide.
https://www.dot.nv.gov/safety/digital-message-sign-contest
- That's The Temperature, Not the Speed Limit
-
i have to wonder about that one.. maybe on 93/95 or whatever they're calling it now.
i-15, maybe not so much. i-80, seems it could be both.
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on June 16, 2021, 07:51:18 AM
Quote from: Kniwt on May 18, 2021, 07:00:19 PM
Nevada DOT is running a contest through June 15 to pick new safety messages to be displayed on VMSs statewide.
https://www.dot.nv.gov/safety/digital-message-sign-contest
- That's The Temperature, Not the Speed Limit
-
i have to wonder about that one.. maybe on 93/95 or whatever they're calling it now.
i-15, maybe not so much. i-80, seems it could be both.
Temperature, not route number.
Quote from: MCRoads on June 15, 2021, 11:48:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 08:18:08 PM
I travel with unrestrained 15-pound objects in the car all the time. Maybe I should start seat-belting my groceries...
Well, usually we put our groceries in the cargo space, so they aren't as dangerous as a cat or dog in the passenger compartment.
Then you apparently drive a vehicle with a trunk. We don't.
Seen on I-85/I-40 eastbound between milepost 58 and 59 this afternoon:
I-40
Via I-40
26 min[utes]
I'm pretty sure that meant to say I-540 on the top row.
During the rush hour, this sign typically flips back and forth the trip times between using I-40 versus I-85 and NC-147 (Durham Freeway). There's less than 2 miles difference between the destinations. Traditionally, the sign would indicate the trip times to I-540 but most recently I've been seeing trip times to the east end of the Durham Freeway. That's absurd also:
NC-147
Via I-40
24 min[utes]
---------------------
NC-147
Via I-85 and NC-147
26 min[utes]
Quote from: Dirt Roads on July 22, 2021, 05:28:17 PM
Seen on I-85/I-40 eastbound between milepost 58 and 59 this afternoon:
I-40
Via I-40
26 min[utes]
I'm pretty sure that meant to say I-540 on the top row.
During the rush hour, this sign typically flips back and forth the trip times between using I-40 versus I-85 and NC-147 (Durham Freeway). There's less than 2 miles difference between the destinations. Traditionally, the sign would indicate the trip times to I-540 but most recently I've been seeing trip times to the east end of the Durham Freeway. That's absurd also:
NC-147
Via I-40
24 min[utes]
---------------------
NC-147
Via I-85 and NC-147
26 min[utes]
That first one made me laugh way harder than it should've.
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 22, 2021, 06:27:43 PM
That first one made me laugh way harder than it should've.
Quote from: Dirt Roads on July 22, 2021, 05:28:17 PM
Seen on I-85/I-40 eastbound between milepost 58 and 59 this afternoon:
I-40
Via I-40
26 min[utes]
I'm pretty sure that meant to say I-540 on the top row. :-D :-D :-D
Seen early in the morning (5:45 Central, 12:45 Central Europe) at the state line VMS along I-80/94:
Kick Covid
to the curb by
getting vaccinated
(Normally as I'm a negationist of the term "Covid" I would have replaced that with "coronavirus", but I decided to leave the quote as originally shown)
Such a VMS message wouldn't have needed in Spain, where there's little opposition to vaccines resulting in immunization rates still growing like crazy, and expected to slow down only when they hit a natural limit. In fact we have long passed the USA and recently we did so to the UK.
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on July 28, 2021, 07:56:44 AM
Seen early in the morning (5:45 Central, 12:45 Central Europe) at the state line VMS along I-80/94:
Kick Covid
to the curb by
getting vaccinated
(Normally as I'm a negationist of the term "Covid" I would have replaced that with "coronavirus", but I decided to leave the quote as originally shown)
Such a VMS message wouldn't have needed in Spain, where there's little opposition to vaccines resulting in immunization rates still growing like crazy, and expected to slow down only when they hit a natural limit. In fact we have long passed the USA and recently we did so to the UK.
I've seen several different virus-related messaging on there, and of course Illinois would do that. Any VMS that is used to display virus messaging is absurd in my book. It was more acceptable when state's were issuing interstate travel restrictions, since those actually apply, but to push vaccination...
Sure would be nice if MDOT could get their units synchronized. These two on westbound I-696 never are.
The westernmost one is six miles CLOSER to I-275 but right now shows three minutes LONGER drivetime than the easternmost one.
(https://i.imgur.com/xA8Q8FD.jpg)
Quote from: Dirt Roads on July 22, 2021, 05:28:17 PM
Seen on I-85/I-40 eastbound between milepost 58 and 59 this afternoon:
I-40
Via I-40
26 min[utes]
I'm pretty sure that meant to say I-540 on the top row.
During the rush hour, this sign typically flips back and forth the trip times between using I-40 versus I-85 and NC-147 (Durham Freeway). There's less than 2 miles difference between the destinations. Traditionally, the sign would indicate the trip times to I-540 but most recently I've been seeing trip times to the east end of the Durham Freeway. That's absurd also:
NC-147
Via I-40
24 min[utes]
---------------------
NC-147
Via I-85 and NC-147
26 min[utes]
I need to eat my hat. This past Monday morning, the same VMS was flipping through the same I-40 destination message. Looks like this is intentional.
I-40
Via I-40
26 min[utes]
---------------------
I-40
Via I-85 and NC-147
26 min[utes]
Sadly, the best destination doesn't work. Research Triangle Park (RTP) just happens to be accessed from the last two non-tolled exits on NC-147, whereas RTP is accessed from the next two exits on I-40 beyond NC-147.
The Montlake Bridge in Seattle is currently closed for an extended period to replace the metal grate bridge deck. Instead of saying anything helpful about that, this VMS (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.661275,-122.2952734,3a,77.3y,263.77h,93.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syUG9zUXU3QyPP0MfjQsPyw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) on the main north approach to the bridge was displaying "MONTLAKE BRIDGE LOWERED - TRAFFIC CLEARING" when I went by it yesterday. That's the message that it would normally display after the bridge was raised for boat traffic. Presumably there's some sort of automated process that displays that message, but still -- not very helpful.
Week or two ago on 74 east heading out of Charlotte:
DO YOU
LIKE CHRISTMAS
LIGHTS?
WE DO TOO
BLUE
LIGHT
SPECIAL
FOR
ALL
SPEEDERS
SPEED
LIMIT
45
The first set was in squish-o-vision text size so all 4 lines could fit. This VMS is set up under a bridge semi-permanently and has a twin on the other side of said overpass facing the WB direction, usually displaying the same or similar messaging. I recall it saying something about "0 fatalities so far, don't be the first one" at some time around New Year's 2020.
Quote from: Katavia on December 10, 2021, 01:00:21 AM
Week or two ago on 74 east heading out of Charlotte:
DO YOU
LIKE CHRISTMAS
LIGHTS?
WE DO TOO
BLUE
LIGHT
SPECIAL
FOR
ALL
SPEEDERS
SPEED
LIMIT
45
The first set was in squish-o-vision text size so all 4 lines could fit. This VMS is set up under a bridge semi-permanently and has a twin on the other side of said overpass facing the WB direction, usually displaying the same or similar messaging. I recall it saying something about "0 fatalities so far, don't be the first one" at some time around New Year's 2020.
That one is way too long. It's trying to cram in multiple references when that's not necessary.
Also, it's not necessary to have the speed limit listed on the VMS.
Quote from: Katavia on December 10, 2021, 01:00:21 AM
Week or two ago on 74 east heading out of Charlotte:
DO YOU
LIKE CHRISTMAS
LIGHTS?
WE DO TOO
BLUE
LIGHT
SPECIAL
FOR
ALL
SPEEDERS
SPEED
LIMIT
45
Ah yes, there's always that one weird house in the neighborhood with the all-blue Christmas lights. :confused:
https://twitter.com/VaDOT/status/1474116859880513542
From Samuel Woolwine, on Freewayjim's Facebook page.
(https://scontent.fymy1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/269850291_624230235668300_5384291418812335714_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=b9115d&_nc_ohc=DvxMG7EV7QkAX8rOvvw&_nc_ht=scontent.fymy1-1.fna&oh=00_AT_5nXMoJiUqLgIlqBrwJrwZ7-SdsiQdRHV_e20ewPZ-VQ&oe=61CAEB28)
Was trying to find if OhioDOT VMS messages are posted online somewhere (there were some absurd Christmas related ones this month), but found this site (http://zerodeaths.ohio.gov/create-your-message.aspx) instead, if anyone wants to suggest a VMS message to ODOT.
https://memeguy.com/photo/352069/an-aprils-fool-idea-from-utah-dot
FUN PRANK:
DRIVE THE SPEED
LIMIT FOR ONCE
Quote from: Big John on April 03, 2022, 08:02:54 PM
https://memeguy.com/photo/352069/an-aprils-fool-idea-from-utah-dot
FUN PRANK:
DRIVE THE SPEED
LIMIT FOR ONCE
Wasn't there a story several years ago about a couple of drivers doing that in Ontario? They drove the speed limit, side by side, for many miles, and it made a huge mess of traffic? Sounds like the sort of prank that shouldn't be encouraged...
The one I remember was by Atlanta around 2005. Taking up multiple lanes of I-285, traffic was backed up behind them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoETMCosULQ
Quote from: Big John on April 04, 2022, 10:58:51 AM
The one I remember was by Atlanta around 2005. Taking up multiple lanes of I-285, traffic was backed up behind them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoETMCosULQ
That 2005-esque video editing... no thank you.
The concept is hilarious but definitely not helpful either. Talk about the ultimate road rage generator.
This weekend the portable VMS (aka construction VMS) signs on 13 Mile Rd in Madison Heights were warning that 13 Mile would be closed under I-75 on Friday 4/9. I don't know if anyone called it in and they are corrected now.
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 04, 2022, 02:16:41 PM
Quote from: Big John on April 04, 2022, 10:58:51 AM
The one I remember was by Atlanta around 2005. Taking up multiple lanes of I-285, traffic was backed up behind them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoETMCosULQ
That 2005-esque video editing... no thank you.
The concept is hilarious but definitely not helpful either. Talk about the ultimate road rage generator.
More of a way to bring up the issue of artificial and unreasonable speed limits which are not obeyed to public discussion. Not too efficient one, as such speed limits are too dear to everyone involved.
Another similar concept - equally rage inflicting, but more useful - is to have some pacer cars which try to maintain constant speed and avoid density waves on busy highways. This video illustrates the problem:
https://youtu.be/Suugn-p5C1M
cost to run such pacers is pretty high, though.
Quote from: kalvado on April 04, 2022, 03:03:46 PM
More of a way to bring up the issue of artificial and unreasonable speed limits which are not obeyed to public discussion. Not too efficient one, as such speed limits are too dear to everyone involved.
I remember back in the mid-70s when the nationwide 55 MPH limit was first imposed, some drivers in Michigan did this. IIRC, the ensuing back-up was over 12 miles long.
We had a few VMS messages in the Boston area themed for yesterday's date (May 4th):
THERE IS NO TRY
-------------------
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT YOU WILL
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
We had a few VMS messages in the Boston area themed for yesterday's date (May 4th):
THERE IS NO TRY
-------------------
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT YOU WILL
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
As someone who basically knows nothing about Star Wars, both of these VMS messages do nothing more than to confuse me.
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 05, 2022, 11:47:24 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
We had a few VMS messages in the Boston area themed for yesterday's date (May 4th):
THERE IS NO TRY
-------------------
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT YOU WILL
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
As someone who basically knows nothing about Star Wars, both of these VMS messages do nothing more than to confuse me.
Sounds like you need to learn about Star Wars.
Quote from: Rothman on May 06, 2022, 06:47:42 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 05, 2022, 11:47:24 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
We had a few VMS messages in the Boston area themed for yesterday's date (May 4th):
THERE IS NO TRY
-------------------
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT YOU WILL
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
As someone who basically knows nothing about Star Wars, both of these VMS messages do nothing more than to confuse me.
Sounds like you need to learn about Star Wars.
This would also describe my life, except with SNL references.
Quote from: Rothman on May 06, 2022, 06:47:42 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 05, 2022, 11:47:24 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
We had a few VMS messages in the Boston area themed for yesterday's date (May 4th):
THERE IS NO TRY
-------------------
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT YOU WILL
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
As someone who basically knows nothing about Star Wars, both of these VMS messages do nothing more than to confuse me.
Sounds like you need to learn about Star Wars.
Or the department needs to choose between the following two options:
(a) A large subset of the population won't understand this message, so–in the interest of public safety–we should stop trying to be cute.
(b) These messages have no real impact on safety anyway, so we should stop displaying nanny messages.
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 10:06:34 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 06, 2022, 06:47:42 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 05, 2022, 11:47:24 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
We had a few VMS messages in the Boston area themed for yesterday's date (May 4th):
THERE IS NO TRY
-------------------
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT YOU WILL
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
As someone who basically knows nothing about Star Wars, both of these VMS messages do nothing more than to confuse me.
Sounds like you need to learn about Star Wars.
Or the department needs to choose between the following two options:
(a) A large subset of the population won't understand this message, so–in the interest of public safety–we should stop trying to be cute.
(b) These messages have no real impact on safety anyway, so we should stop displaying nanny messages.
Pfft. Killjoy.
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
We had a few VMS messages in the Boston area themed for yesterday's date (May 4th):
THERE IS NO TRY
-------------------
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT YOU WILL
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 05, 2022, 11:47:24 PM
As someone who basically knows nothing about Star Wars, both of these VMS messages do nothing more than to confuse me.
Quote from: Rothman on May 06, 2022, 06:47:42 AM
Sounds like you need to learn about Star Wars.
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 10:06:34 AM
Or the department needs to choose between the following two options:
(a) A large subset of the population won't understand this message, so–in the interest of public safety–we should stop trying to be cute.
(b) These messages have no real impact on safety anyway, so we should stop displaying nanny messages.
"I find your lack of faith [in the DOT] disturbing" - Darth VDOT
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 10:06:34 AMOr the department needs to choose between the following two options:
(a) A large subset of the population won't understand this message, so–in the interest of public safety–we should stop trying to be cute.
(b) These messages have no real impact on safety anyway, sohttps://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?board=35.0 we should stop displaying nanny messages.
If I have to pick between the two, I'll pick (a). IDOT's messages since recreational cannabis was legalized have been pure cringe (puff puff pass the keys to another driver, or something similar).
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 06, 2022, 10:34:00 AM
IDOT's messages since recreational cannabis was legalized have been pure cringe (puff puff pass the keys to another driver, or something similar).
Now I'm imagining a driver "puff puff" -ing while driving, then switching seats with the passenger while driving down the East-West Toll Road.
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 10:06:34 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 06, 2022, 06:47:42 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 05, 2022, 11:47:24 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
We had a few VMS messages in the Boston area themed for yesterday's date (May 4th):
THERE IS NO TRY
-------------------
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT YOU WILL
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
As someone who basically knows nothing about Star Wars, both of these VMS messages do nothing more than to confuse me.
Sounds like you need to learn about Star Wars.
Or the department needs to choose between the following two options:
(a) A large subset of the population won't understand this message, so–in the interest of public safety–we should stop trying to be cute.
(b) These messages have no real impact on safety anyway, so we should stop displaying nanny messages.
I have not watched Star Wars either. But it seems pretty easy to figure out the messages: Wear your seat belt and slow down.
If I'm wrong, is it all that wrong that the incorrect message the motorist figured out was wear your seat belt and slow down?
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 10:49:17 AM
it seems pretty easy to figure out the messages ... slow down.
Now imagine you struggle to understand the English language.
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 10:40:24 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 06, 2022, 10:34:00 AM
IDOT's messages since recreational cannabis was legalized have been pure cringe (puff puff pass the keys to another driver, or something similar).
Now I'm imagining a driver "puff puff" -ing while driving, then switching seats with the passenger while driving down the East-West Toll Road.
The REAGAN Tollway. REAGAN.
And if you're gonna do that, you probably want to swap seats before puffing. Of course, "pass the keys to the driver, puff, puff" doesn't have the same ring to it.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 06, 2022, 11:17:44 AM
The REAGAN Tollway. REAGAN.
Not to me. I was using 88 from 1999 to 2006, and it only changed names in 2004. Even then, it's not like people started calling it by a different name: it was still the East-West Tollway. I didn't even know it had taken the name Reagan until I joined this forum several years later and wasn't even living in Illinois anymore.
Besides which...
https://goo.gl/maps/8KenN3kEgqYSwJAb9
https://goo.gl/maps/RKBjKUkRFNsTwPpq9
(I realize those aren't actually shown as road
names, but they reinforce the old name in my mind.)
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 10:49:17 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 10:06:34 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 06, 2022, 06:47:42 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 05, 2022, 11:47:24 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
We had a few VMS messages in the Boston area themed for yesterday's date (May 4th):
THERE IS NO TRY
-------------------
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT YOU WILL
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
As someone who basically knows nothing about Star Wars, both of these VMS messages do nothing more than to confuse me.
Sounds like you need to learn about Star Wars.
Or the department needs to choose between the following two options:
(a) A large subset of the population won't understand this message, so–in the interest of public safety–we should stop trying to be cute.
(b) These messages have no real impact on safety anyway, so we should stop displaying nanny messages.
I have not watched Star Wars either. But it seems pretty easy to figure out the messages: Wear your seat belt and slow down.
If I'm wrong, is it all that wrong that the incorrect message the motorist figured out was wear your seat belt and slow down?
Ma'am, 101 is the road numerical designation, not the speed limit...
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 06, 2022, 11:17:44 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 10:40:24 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 06, 2022, 10:34:00 AM
IDOT's messages since recreational cannabis was legalized have been pure cringe (puff puff pass the keys to another driver, or something similar).
Now I'm imagining a driver "puff puff" -ing while driving, then switching seats with the passenger while driving down the East-West Toll Road.
The REAGAN Tollway. REAGAN.
And if you're gonna do that, you probably want to swap seats before puffing. Of course, "pass the keys to the driver, puff, puff" doesn't have the same ring to it.
(Washington National Airport...)
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 11:08:24 AM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 10:49:17 AM
it seems pretty easy to figure out the messages ... slow down.
Now imagine you struggle to understand the English language.
Or, worse, imagine you actually understand it. "The Kessel Run in 12 parsecs is too fast...well, I don't know what a Kessel Run is, but I know a parsec is a unit of distance..."
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 11:08:24 AM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 10:49:17 AM
it seems pretty easy to figure out the messages ... slow down.
Now imagine you struggle to understand the English language.
Which would mean most other messages would be hard to understand also.
(https://i.ibb.co/KGq6S0s/bealert.jpg)
Feel free to snooze here on weekends.
And another one from COVID days:
(https://www.silive.com/resizer/z6jPvtTxM6mQt2Su4PYAKtDbBYw=/1280x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/YHCXAKY22NFGLFM2HTC5LCL3IU.jpeg)
Well done, Governor!
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 10:49:17 AM
it seems pretty easy to figure out the messages ... slow down.
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 11:08:24 AM
Now imagine you struggle to understand the English language.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2022, 05:14:40 PM
Or, worse, imagine you actually understand it. "The Kessel Run in 12 parsecs is too fast...well, I don't know what a Kessel Run is, but I know a parsec is a unit of distance..."
It's not like any Legislature, DOT or police force actually cares about the technical difference between speed and velocity either. :hmmm:
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 05:37:52 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 11:08:24 AM
Now imagine you struggle to understand the English language.
Which would mean most other messages would be hard to understand also.
*sigh*
For someone for whom English is a second language, tell me which is easier to understand:
SPEEDING KILLS /
OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST /
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 06:48:07 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 05:37:52 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 11:08:24 AM
Now imagine you struggle to understand the English language.
Which would mean most other messages would be hard to understand also.
*sigh*
For someone for whom English is a second language, tell me which is easier to understand:
SPEEDING KILLS /
OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST /
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
You realize that Kessel and Parsecs aren't English words, right?
Ask the numerous people that drove by it whom English is a second language. You're assuming that they have no idea what the movie lines are, or what their knowledge of the English language is. Would you know how to translate 'Speed Kills' in other languages if you quickly passed by it on a highway sign in a foreign country? I would probably want to know what the word for 'Bathroom' is in a foreign land. I'm not going to go out of my way to learn what 'kills' or 'obey' translates into, unless I'm trying to more fully understand the language.
The people that generally dislike these signs are those whom English is a first language. I don't know if there's any data which shows road signage with unusual messages causes confusion for others.
I mean, part of the problem is that "the Kessel run in 12 parsecs" made no sense in the source work either...
Actually, I'd say that public safety messages like this shouldn't refer to pop culture/works of fiction at all. Unless it's part of the school curriculum, there's no guarantee that any given motorist has consumed some bit of media, and without the needed context the message is likely to not be readily understood.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 07:16:45 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 06:48:07 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 05:37:52 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 11:08:24 AM
Now imagine you struggle to understand the English language.
Which would mean most other messages would be hard to understand also.
*sigh*
For someone for whom English is a second language, tell me which is easier to understand:
SPEEDING KILLS /
OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST /
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
You realize that Kessel and Parsecs aren't English words, right?
Ask the numerous people that drove by it whom English is a second language. You're assuming that they have no idea what the movie lines are, or what their knowledge of the English language is. Would you know how to translate 'Speed Kills' in other languages if you quickly passed by it on a highway sign in a foreign country? I would probably want to know what the word for 'Bathroom' is in a foreign land. I'm not going to go out of my way to learn what 'kills' or 'obey' translates into, unless I'm trying to more fully understand the language.
The people that generally dislike these signs are those whom English is a first language. I don't know if there's any data which shows road signage with unusual messages causes confusion for others.
In general, some confusion is not a problem as worst thing it can cause is some slowdown. And that is intention anyway. More likely keyword "speed" is well understood and ignored regardless.
As for irritating messages, "Canaan toll booths ahead" is my personal top one.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 07:16:45 PM
You realize that Kessel and Parsecs aren't English words, right?
Quote from: Oxford English Dictionary
par·sec /ˈpärsek/ noun: parsec; plural noun: parsecs
a unit of distance used in astronomy, equal to about 3.26 light years (3.086 × 1013 kilometers). One parsec corresponds to the distance at which the mean radius of the earth's orbit subtends an angle of one second of arc.
I just thought up a great message for VMSes near Wrigley Field:
HEY CHICAGO
WHAT DO
YOU SAY?
-------------------------
WE'RE GONNA
BUCKLE UP
TODAY
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2022, 07:32:59 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 07:16:45 PM
You realize that Kessel and Parsecs aren't English words, right?
Quote from: Oxford English Dictionary
par·sec /ˈpärsek/ noun: parsec; plural noun: parsecs
a unit of distance used in astronomy, equal to about 3.26 light years (3.086 × 1013 kilometers). One parsec corresponds to the distance at which the mean radius of the earth's orbit subtends an angle of one second of arc.
https://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=parsec
And check it out in French, German, etc. It's used in multiple languages.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 08:25:43 PM
https://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=parsec
And check it out in French, German, etc. It's used in multiple languages.
It still doesn't make any sense even if you know what the word means, though.
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 05, 2022, 11:25:22 AM
THE KESSEL RUN IN 12 PARSECS IS TOO FAST
----------------------------------------------------
DROP OUT OF LIGHT SPEED
Quote from: kalvado on May 06, 2022, 07:30:01 PM
More likely keyword "speed" is well understood and ignored regardless.
Not that the word "speed" (or "slow") was even used in the message to begin with, except in "light speed"...
And understanding "12" and "too fast" doesn't help at all.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2022, 07:27:20 PM
Actually, I'd say that public safety messages like this shouldn't refer to pop culture/works of fiction at all. Unless it's part of the school curriculum, there's no guarantee that any given motorist has consumed some bit of media, and without the needed context the message is likely to not be readily understood.
Precisely. Which is why I said...
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 10:06:34 AM
Or the department needs to choose between the following two options:
(a) A large subset of the population won't understand this message, so–in the interest of public safety–we should stop trying to be cute.
(b) These messages have no real impact on safety anyway, so we should stop displaying nanny messages.
Of course, (b) might actually be closer to the truth...
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2022, 07:27:20 PM
Actually, I'd say that public safety messages like this shouldn't refer to pop culture/works of fiction at all. Unless it's part of the school curriculum, there's no guarantee that any given motorist has consumed some bit of media, and without the needed context the message is likely to not be readily understood.
This is where many people (not me) would butt in and say ITS JUST COMMON SENSE.
And of course you've explained above why that is a flawed argument, because common sense is only common to those with a common experience.
(On the other hand, we do find we often have to live by certain philosophies, flawed or not, or else we'll find ourselves at an insurmountable societal disadvantage...)
Quote from: empirestate on May 07, 2022, 08:46:31 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2022, 07:27:20 PM
Actually, I'd say that public safety messages like this shouldn't refer to pop culture/works of fiction at all. Unless it's part of the school curriculum, there's no guarantee that any given motorist has consumed some bit of media, and without the needed context the message is likely to not be readily understood.
This is where many people (not me) would butt in and say ITS JUST COMMON SENSE.
And of course you've explained above why that is a flawed argument, because common sense is only common to those with a common experience.
(On the other hand, we do find we often have to live by certain philosophies, flawed or not, or else we'll find ourselves at an insurmountable societal disadvantage...)
I would look at things differently.
Can an unclear message
harm anyone? I would say the possibility is pretty remote. Not more than a confusing custom license plate or a sticker on a car.
Can a message which rings the bell for only a small group still do any good? Most likely yes. Those few star wars fan smiling and easing their foot mean that the message worked - as long as we assume that slow down of the flow is a good idea.
People need to get with the times rather than making VMS messages boring.
Quote from: Rothman on May 07, 2022, 07:13:08 PM
People need to get with the times rather than making VMS messages boring.
(https://angrystaffofficer.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/13108606_239896409712586_1534954410_n.jpg)
Quote from: kalvado on May 07, 2022, 09:30:45 AM
I would look at things differently.
Can an unclear message harm anyone? I would say the possibility is pretty remote. Not more than a confusing custom license plate or a sticker on a car.
Can a message which rings the bell for only a small group still do any good? Most likely yes. Those few star wars fan smiling and easing their foot mean that the message worked - as long as we assume that slow down of the flow is a good idea.
I would look at things differently.
Is there a message that would covey the same meaning to a greater number of people? Then use
that message instead.
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2022, 02:25:24 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 07, 2022, 09:30:45 AM
I would look at things differently.
Can an unclear message harm anyone? I would say the possibility is pretty remote. Not more than a confusing custom license plate or a sticker on a car.
Can a message which rings the bell for only a small group still do any good? Most likely yes. Those few star wars fan smiling and easing their foot mean that the message worked - as long as we assume that slow down of the flow is a good idea.
I would look at things differently.
Is there a message that would covey the same meaning to a greater number of people? Then use that message instead.
What about efficiency of the message? Would anyone respond to regular "please slow down" these days? It may be crystal clear to most. ..
Quote from: kalvado on May 09, 2022, 03:47:21 PM
What about efficiency of the message? Would anyone respond to regular "please slow down" these days? It may be crystal clear to most. ..
You're suggesting that more people take their foot of the gas pedal based on a Star Wars -themed message?
Given that the existence of real financial penalties isn't enough to make most people slow down, I kind of doubt any VMS message could accomplish that particular task.
At least with a seat belt message, it could cause someone who merely forgot to buckle up to do so.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 04:01:14 PM
Given that the existence of real financial penalties isn't enough to make most people slow down, I kind of doubt any VMS message could accomplish that particular task.
Someone said they couldn't see this type of image (below), but I can. Maybe it's the Chrome http bug?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DEVERYONE%2520DRIVE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3D45%2520MPH%2520TO%2520AVOID%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DSTOP-AND-GO&hash=bd65c212ab970e58ad08aba94a4ac23751e9b4f4)
(message is fictional)
Quote from: 1 on May 09, 2022, 04:14:12 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 04:01:14 PM
Given that the existence of real financial penalties isn't enough to make most people slow down, I kind of doubt any VMS message could accomplish that particular task.
Someone said they couldn't see this type of image (below), but I can. Maybe it's the Chrome http bug?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DEVERYONE%2520DRIVE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3D45%2520MPH%2520TO%2520AVOID%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DSTOP-AND-GO&hash=bd65c212ab970e58ad08aba94a4ac23751e9b4f4)
(message is fictional)
Yep on my Chrome the image is blank, but I can right-click on it to open in a new tab and see it there. Meanwhile I just downloaded Firefox and it works fine there. I think I'll just Firefox for the forum from now on so I can see Oscar's and others' photos instead of that annoying Chrome issue. :)
Quote from: 1 on May 09, 2022, 04:14:12 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 04:01:14 PM
Given that the existence of real financial penalties isn't enough to make most people slow down, I kind of doubt any VMS message could accomplish that particular task.
Someone said they couldn't see this type of image (below), but I can. Maybe it's the Chrome http bug?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeo.dot.ca.gov%2Fca511dfp%2Fcmsgif.php%3Fp1l1%3DEVERYONE%2520DRIVE%26amp%3Bp1l2%3D45%2520MPH%2520TO%2520AVOID%26amp%3Bp1l3%3DSTOP-AND-GO&hash=bd65c212ab970e58ad08aba94a4ac23751e9b4f4)
(message is fictional)
Every one drive 50 mph to avoid Kum & Go.
Until about a year ago, there was an antique mall in Alma, AR that had a VMS sign advertising their store.
Now there's a message board outside a coffee shop at Mountainburg near the old Lake Fort Smith access road,
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 09, 2022, 04:01:14 PM
Given that the existence of real financial penalties isn't enough to make most people slow down, I kind of doubt any VMS message could accomplish that particular task.
At least with a seat belt message, it could cause someone who merely forgot to buckle up to do so.
Which brings me back to this...
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 10:06:34 AM
Or the department needs to choose between the following two options:
(a) A large subset of the population won't understand this message, so–in the interest of public safety–we should stop trying to be cute.
(b) These messages have no real impact on safety anyway, so we should stop displaying nanny messages.
1. If people don't actually slow down because of the messages, then they're just noise–maybe even distracting drivers from the act of driving.
2. I have mixed feelings about seat belt laws, but they certainly don't have an impact on safety
other than to the person wearing it, so chalk that one up as a nanny message.
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2022, 04:29:13 PM2. I have mixed feelings about seat belt laws
Why?
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2022, 04:29:13 PM, but they certainly don't have an impact on safety other than to the person wearing it
Safety...maybe, but I'm sure it would be incredibly traumatic for the driver of the other vehicle if the driver and/or passengers of vehicle A weren't wearing seatbelts and were killed or seriously injured.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 09, 2022, 04:43:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2022, 04:29:13 PM
2. I have mixed feelings about seat belt laws
Why?
Because I'm generally opposed to laws that do nothing but protect a person from his own decisions. My general starting position when it comes to the law is that we should be free to do whatever we want until the point that it affects someone else. Your wearing a seat belt has zero effect on the safety of anyone else on the road, so I think you should be free to choose not to wear it.
On the other hand, if I get in a car wreck, and my child is injured because he wasn't wearing a seat belt, then I also feel like I–as his parent–should be held responsible for that.
As I said, mixed feelings.
Similar arguments can be made about bicycle helmets. I wear my seat belt every time I'm moving the car more than like 20 feet, but I don't even own a bicycle helmet anymore, and I wouldn't appreciate being legally obligated to wear one.
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2022, 05:03:04 PMSimilar arguments can be made about bicycle helmets. I wear my seat belt every time I'm moving the car more than like 20 feet, but I don't even own a bicycle helmet anymore, and I wouldn't appreciate being legally obligated to wear one.
OK, but again, the driver of the vehicle that collides with you is gonna be pretty bummed about splattering your brains all over the road.
And neither of these scenarios take into account the cost to society of someone doing something foolhardy. Frankly, I can't think of a single thing we as humans do that affect absolutely no one but ourselves.
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2022, 03:54:34 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 09, 2022, 03:47:21 PM
What about efficiency of the message? Would anyone respond to regular "please slow down" these days? It may be crystal clear to most. ..
You're suggesting that more people take their foot of the gas pedal based on a Star Wars -themed message?
I assume that more people would actually give such message a thought. Regular ones are much more likely to be treated as junk mail or white noise. So yes, unusual message have a potential of being more efficient.
I am on the same page as you in terms of zero effect of regular messages. This may be a bit better overall, even in only a fraction of drivers gets it.
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2022, 02:25:24 PM
Is there a message that would covey the same meaning to a greater number of people? Then use that message instead.
Or, even better still, use both.
And, better or not, both is closer to the reality we have now–not all messages in the road currently are Star Wars-themed, but some might be, from time to time. So that would be the context within which to evaluate, rather than either/or.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 09, 2022, 05:13:56 PM
OK, but again, the driver of the vehicle that collides with you is gonna be pretty bummed about splattering your brains all over the road.
Making sure other people don't get "pretty bummed" isn't a good basis for lawmaking. Besides, I'm sure the driver a vehicle that splatters a
pedestrian's brains all over the road would be just as bummed/traumatized, but I never hear anyone suggest pedestrians should be required to wear helmets.
(For the record, I have collided with a vehicle three times while cycling.)
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 09, 2022, 05:13:56 PM
And neither of these scenarios take into account the cost to society of someone doing something foolhardy. Frankly, I can't think of a single thing we as humans do that affect absolutely no one but ourselves.
Very good point. No man is an island.
Still, though, I don't believe we should outlaw bacon and salami–even though heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the USA. The cost to society of eating a lot of saturated fat is quite high, but that doesn't mean I believe it should be against the law.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AMMaking sure other people don't get "pretty bummed" isn't a good basis for lawmaking.
Better tell your fellow Christians to stop trying to outlaw school curricula that makes white students feel bad about themselves, then.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AMBesides, I'm sure the driver a vehicle that splatters a pedestrian's brains all over the road would be just as bummed/traumatized, but I never hear anyone suggest pedestrians should be required to wear helmets.
Pedestrians don't travel at 20 MPH and, if they impact, say, a wall at walking speed, there is a close to 100% chance that they'll walk away without a scratch.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AM(For the record, I have collided with a vehicle three times while cycling.)
And how many of those collisions would have been avoided if you were traveling at walking speed and able to stop much faster/sooner?
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 09, 2022, 05:13:56 PMStill, though, I don't believe we should outlaw bacon and salami–even though heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the USA. The cost to society of eating a lot of saturated fat is quite high, but that doesn't mean I believe it should be against the law.
Well, no, it shouldn't be against the law, but if the health care costs for people who consume mass amounts of saturated fat are significantly higher than those who don't, then I wouldn't object to insurance companies charging more in premiums for people who consume mass amounts of saturated fat.
Or, to bring it full circle, people who ride bicycles without helmets.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 11:12:19 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AMMaking sure other people don't get "pretty bummed" isn't a good basis for lawmaking.
Better tell your fellow Christians to stop trying to outlaw school curricula that makes white students feel bad about themselves, then.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AMBesides, I'm sure the driver a vehicle that splatters a pedestrian's brains all over the road would be just as bummed/traumatized, but I never hear anyone suggest pedestrians should be required to wear helmets.
Pedestrians don't travel at 20 MPH and, if they impact, say, a wall at walking speed, there is a close to 100% chance that they'll walk away without a scratch.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AM(For the record, I have collided with a vehicle three times while cycling.)
And how many of those collisions would have been avoided if you were traveling at walking speed and able to stop much faster/sooner?
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 09, 2022, 05:13:56 PMStill, though, I don't believe we should outlaw bacon and salami–even though heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the USA. The cost to society of eating a lot of saturated fat is quite high, but that doesn't mean I believe it should be against the law.
Well, no, it shouldn't be against the law, but if the health care costs for people who consume mass amounts of saturated fat are significantly higher than those who don't, then I wouldn't object to insurance companies charging more in premiums for people who consume mass amounts of saturated fat.
Or, to bring it full circle, people who ride bicycles without helmets.
There is a lot of traditionalism in what is allowed and what is not.
Bacon and salami are OK because George Washington was eating those (just a wild guess).
Aspirin is OK because people got used it, but it wouldn't be cleared for sale - moreso for non-prescription sale - by today's standard.
People like to compare marijuana and alcohol risks. Without getting too far off-topic, I would expect a lot of arguments for not permitting alcohol - more than for marijuana - if alcohol wasn't mainstream since ancient world.
I can argue (tongue in cheek, obviously) for mandatory helmet in crosswalk, at least for kids; and <0.08 BAC in crosswalks for all ages. Last one would have a huge positive effect BTW.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 11:12:19 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AM
Making sure other people don't get "pretty bummed" isn't a good basis for lawmaking.
Better tell your fellow Christians to stop trying to outlaw school curricula that makes white students feel bad about themselves, then.
I'm confused. Are you agreeing with me or disagreeing with me? I actually suspect you're in favor of certain political positions based on an "individual liberty" standpoint but in favor of others based on a "cost to society" standpoint. And really, most people probably do. At least I'm honest enough to say I have mixed feelings about these issues. And, for what it's worth, my fellow Christians I've personally spoken with about school curriculum (quite a few members of my church are public school teachers, for example) have likewise expressed mixed feelings about the issue; I'm not going to get into why, because that would be both a political and also a religious discussion.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 11:12:19 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AM
Besides, I'm sure the driver a vehicle that splatters a pedestrian's brains all over the road would be just as bummed/traumatized, but I never hear anyone suggest pedestrians should be required to wear helmets.
Pedestrians don't travel at 20 MPH and, if they impact, say, a wall at walking speed, there is a close to 100% chance that they'll walk away without a scratch.
Who's talking about a wall? I'm talking about getting hit by a moving vehicle. Whether you're a pedestrian going 3 mph or a cyclist going 15 mph, it's bad news to get hit by a car going 45 mph.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 11:12:19 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AM
(For the record, I have collided with a vehicle three times while cycling.)
And how many of those collisions would have been avoided if you were traveling at walking speed and able to stop much faster/sooner?
One.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 11:12:19 AM
Well, no, it shouldn't be against the law, but if the health care costs for people who consume mass amounts of saturated fat are significantly higher than those who don't, then I wouldn't object to insurance companies charging more in premiums for people who consume mass amounts of saturated fat.
Or, to bring it full circle, people who ride bicycles without helmets.
So would you be OK with insurance companies charging higher premiums for people who don't wear seat belts, while not making it a legal requirement to do so?
And how, exactly, would they determine how much saturated fat you ate, or how often you wore your seat belt?
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 11:51:01 AM
There is a lot of traditionalism in what is allowed and what is not.
I've said it before:
If bicycles were invented today, people wouldn't be allowed to ride them.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 11:51:01 AM
There is a lot of traditionalism in what is allowed and what is not.
Bacon and salami are OK because George Washington was eating those (just a wild guess).
Bacon and salami are OK because the US isn't a theocracy (for now).
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 11:51:01 AMAspirin is OK because people got used it, but it wouldn't be cleared for sale - moreso for non-prescription sale - by today's standard.
Aspirin is OK because humans have been using willow bark as an anti-inflammatory drug for over 2,000 years.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 11:51:01 AMPeople like to compare marijuana and alcohol risks. Without getting too far off-topic, I would expect a lot of arguments for not permitting alcohol - more than for marijuana - if alcohol wasn't mainstream since ancient world.
Banning both are probably one of the few areas where I agree that banning something creates a black market of unsafe goods that wouldn't exist if they were legal.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 11:51:01 AMI can argue (tongue in cheek, obviously) for mandatory helmet in crosswalk, at least for kids; and <0.08 BAC in crosswalks for all ages. Last one would have a huge positive effect BTW.
...sure.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AMI'm confused. Are you agreeing with me or disagreeing with me? I actually suspect you're in favor of certain political positions based on an "individual liberty" standpoint but in favor of others based on a "cost to society" standpoint. And really, most people probably do. At least I'm honest enough to say I have mixed feelings about these issues. And, for what it's worth, my fellow Christians I've personally spoken with about school curriculum (quite a few members of my church are public school teachers, for example) have likewise expressed mixed feelings about the issue; I'm not going to get into why, because that would be both a political and also a religious discussion.
Using the term "pretty bummed" was probably a mistake on my part. Killing another human being with a vehicle is, in all likelihood, going to be traumatic (ask any engineer who's hit someone with their train). My fundamental point is that the worst-case scenario resulting from driving around without a seatbelt is not that you're harmed and literally no one else is.
And yes, I don't have clear-cut beliefs on where individual liberty starts and ends. "My right to swing my fist ends at your nose" is a good start, but I don't know where the other person's nose is, to torture a metaphor.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AMWho's talking about a wall? I'm talking about getting hit by a moving vehicle. Whether you're a pedestrian going 3 mph or a cyclist going 15 mph, it's bad news to get hit by a car going 45 mph.
I agree, but that's not the only scenario in which a bicycle colliding with another object could lead to the injury of an unhelmet-ed cyclist.[/quote]
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AMSo would you be OK with insurance companies charging higher premiums for people who don't wear seat belts, while not making it a legal requirement to do so?
Health insurance, life insurance, auto insurance? And if we can do it without a bunch of nanny-state horseshit like cameras all over the interior of the car? Yes. I think it'd be even more effective than a law mandating it, and best of all, cops would have one less excuse to pull over a minority so they can empty their guns into them.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AMAnd how, exactly, would they determine how much saturated fat you ate, or how often you wore your seat belt?
Presumably they wouldn't be able to do so without demolishing the right to privacy.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 10:57:42 AMI've said it before:
If bicycles were invented today, people wouldn't be allowed to ride them.
Survivorship bias in action.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 12:01:10 PM
If bicycles were invented today, people wouldn't be allowed to ride them.
If cars were invented today, the ability to drive them would probably be far more strictly regulated than it is in reality, to the point where few would own their own cars and most people would take transit or a taxi.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 12:06:03 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 11:51:01 AM
There is a lot of traditionalism in what is allowed and what is not.
Bacon and salami are OK because George Washington was eating those (just a wild guess).
Bacon and salami are OK because the US isn't a theocracy (for now).
There are sure traditional foods with very limited distribution. Try getting non-homogenized non-pasteurized cow milk, for example (IMHO it is delicious. Nothing like supermarket white fluid). I am not even mentioning igunaq. Nothing to do with religion, just public health.
One of my worst fears is healthy living standards being expanded towards caffeine with full-strength tea and coffee being banned...
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 12:06:03 PM
Bacon and salami are OK because the US isn't a theocracy (for now).
Bacon and salami are OK because the government doesn't outlaw food items just because they have too much saturated fat (for now).
Fun fact: The British monarch's coronation takes place in a church, is conducted by an archbishop, requires an oath to "maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel", includes the celebration of Holy Communion and recitation of the Nicene Creed, and involves the consecration of the monarch with anointing oil.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 12:32:36 PMBacon and salami are OK because the government doesn't outlaw food items just because they have too much saturated fat (for now).
And probably never will.
And that wasn't a dig at Christianity or anything; the (for now) was probably unnecessary, and I'm not aware of the US banning the consumption of any animals because it's forbidden by one religion or another.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 12:32:36 PMFun fact: The British monarch's coronation takes place in a church, is conducted by an archbishop, requires an oath to "maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel", includes the celebration of Holy Communion and recitation of the Nicene Creed, and involves the consecration of the monarch with anointing oil.
I acknowledge the existence of civil religion and don't think it should be outlawed.
Besides, the monarch holds far less actual power than the official head of state of most (if not all) countries.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 12:32:13 PMOne of my worst fears is healthy living standards being expanded towards caffeine with full-strength tea and coffee being banned...
Why do you think there's a realistic chance of that happening? Even back when Mormons were forbidden from consuming caffeine, you could buy all kinds of caffeinated drinks in Utah.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 12:44:58 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 12:32:13 PMOne of my worst fears is healthy living standards being expanded towards caffeine with full-strength tea and coffee being banned...
Why do you think there's a realistic chance of that happening? Even back when Mormons were forbidden from consuming caffeine, you could buy all kinds of caffeinated drinks in Utah.
Think about it in such a way:
Drinking alcohol was totally acceptable 120 years ago - and then Prohibition happened. Less than 100 years ago smoking tobacco was not only social acceptable, it was almost expected thing for adults. Today it is barely tolerated.
So... never say never.
What do you guys think of public health messages on VMSes? We had talked earlier about COVID-related messages such as encouragements to wear a mask or whatever. Is that kind of thing appropriate for highway signs?
Heart disease still manages to outdo COVID-19 when it comes to killing Americans. So does cancer. How would people feel about, say, anti-smoking messages on VMSes?
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 12:56:56 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 12:44:58 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 12:32:13 PM
One of my worst fears is healthy living standards being expanded towards caffeine with full-strength tea and coffee being banned...
Why do you think there's a realistic chance of that happening? Even back when Mormons were forbidden from consuming caffeine, you could buy all kinds of caffeinated drinks in Utah.
Think about it in such a way:
Drinking alcohol was totally acceptable 120 years ago - and then Prohibition happened. Less than 100 years ago smoking tobacco was not only social acceptable, it was almost expected thing for adults. Today it is barely tolerated.
So... never say never.
Alcohol and tobacco are demonstrably bad for you. People wanting to abolish alcohol has just as much to do with the danger drunk people pose to those around them as it does with the harm they're inflicting on their own health. The push to keep smoking out of the public sphere was greatly accelerated by reports about secondhand smoke–that is to say, the harm that could be inflicted upon people other than the smoker. Caffeine is not only quite safe for people's personal health, but it also poses a near-zero risk to others, so I can't really imagine what leg an anti-caffeine lobby would have to stand on.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 01:02:08 PM
What do you guys think of public health messages on VMSes? We had talked earlier about COVID-related messages such as encouragements to wear a mask or whatever. Is that kind of thing appropriate for highway signs?
Heart disease still manages to outdo COVID-19 when it comes to killing Americans. So does cancer. How would people feel about, say, anti-smoking messages on VMSes?
Since we've established that no one reads the messages anyway, sure, why not. I've seen bus stop ads that advocate quitting smoking with the assistance of the local board of health in several cities.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 12:56:56 PM
Think about it in such a way:
Drinking alcohol was totally acceptable 120 years ago - and then Prohibition happened.
And then Prohibition was repealed, and now drinking alcohol is totally acceptable.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 12:56:56 PMLess than 100 years ago smoking tobacco was not only social acceptable, it was almost expected thing for adults. Today it is barely tolerated.
It's "barely tolerated" today because we know that tobacco consumption in any form is not only dangerous to the individual consuming it, but, in the case of smoking it, it's dangerous to anyone who inhales the smoke.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 12:56:56 PMSo... never say never.
These are terrible analogies.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 01:02:08 PM
Alcohol and tobacco are demonstrably bad for you. People wanting to abolish alcohol has just as much to do with the danger drunk people pose to those around them as it does with the harm they're inflicting on their own health. The push to keep smoking out of the public sphere was greatly accelerated by reports about secondhand smoke–that is to say, the harm that could be inflicted upon people other than the smoker. Caffeine is not only quite safe for people's personal health, but it also poses a near-zero risk to others, so I can't really imagine what leg an anti-caffeine lobby would have to stand on.
Welcome to Planet Earth, my friend. You must be new here!
-There is a representative in NYS legislature who justifies his existence on planet Earth by introducing a restaurant salt ban legislation every year. He wants unsalted food only to be served, and salt dispensers available on request only. So far, effect is limited, but our cafeteria does serve unsalted soups. Good thing you can still grab salt packets without a problem...
-NYC had actual limits on the size of soda cup one can order for a while. Eventually it was overturned, though: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugary_drinks_portion_cap_rule
So there is an appetite for such regulation.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 01:17:28 PM
These are terrible analogies.
Poor analogies, yes, but not quite
terrible. Prohibition in both the US and the UK was fueled in large part by Methodist crusades against alcohol. Considering that Methodism, ever since its founding by Wesley in the 1700s, has viewed anything other than teetotalism as morally sinful, I think it's fair to say that alcohol was ultimately prohibited on largely religious grounds rather than anything to do with health or behavior.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 01:21:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 01:02:08 PM
Alcohol and tobacco are demonstrably bad for you. People wanting to abolish alcohol has just as much to do with the danger drunk people pose to those around them as it does with the harm they're inflicting on their own health. The push to keep smoking out of the public sphere was greatly accelerated by reports about secondhand smoke–that is to say, the harm that could be inflicted upon people other than the smoker. Caffeine is not only quite safe for people's personal health, but it also poses a near-zero risk to others, so I can't really imagine what leg an anti-caffeine lobby would have to stand on.
Welcome to Planet Earth, my friend. You must be new here!
-There is a representative in NYS legislature who justifies his existence on planet Earth by introducing a restaurant salt ban legislation every year. He wants unsalted food only to be served, and salt dispensers available on request only. So far, effect is limited, but our cafeteria does serve unsalted soups. Good thing you can still grab salt packets without a problem...
-NYC had actual limits on the size of soda cup one can order for a while. Eventually it was overturned, though: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugary_drinks_portion_cap_rule
So there is an appetite for such regulation.
But excess consumption of both salt and sugar is demonstrably unhealthy.
Again, this is not the case with caffeine. A typical adult would have to consume a LOT more coffee than they actually do before any adverse effects would present.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 01:21:05 PM-There is a representative in NYS legislature who justifies his existence on planet Earth by introducing a restaurant salt ban legislation every year. He wants unsalted food only to be served, and salt dispensers available on request only. So far, effect is limited, but our cafeteria does serve unsalted soups. Good thing you can still grab salt packets without a problem...
(a) He introduced one bill, in 2010
(b) He lost his seat when he lost a primary challenge in 2020, so no, there isn't appetite for such regulation
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 01:21:05 PM-NYC had actual limits on the size of soda cup one can order for a while. Eventually it was overturned, though: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugary_drinks_portion_cap_rule
(a) The link between consumption of sugary drinks and various health risks are even more firmly established than the link between tobacco and various health risks
(b) "Eventually it was overturned" indicates that there was not, in fact, appetite for such regulation
This thread's entering dumpster fire territory.
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 01:27:41 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 01:17:28 PM
These are terrible analogies.
Poor analogies, yes, but not quite terrible. Prohibition in both the US and the UK was fueled in large part by Methodist crusades against alcohol. Considering that Methodism, ever since its founding by Wesley in the 1700s, has viewed anything other than teetotalism as morally sinful, I think it's fair to say that alcohol was ultimately prohibited on largely religious grounds rather than anything to do with health or behavior.
I mean, there was probably a healthy dose of "we have to do something before these papists ruin our country," but I'm not sure if you're including that in "largely religious grounds."
Quote from: Rothman on May 10, 2022, 01:38:01 PM
This thread's entering dumpster fire territory.
This is a bit more of an unusual case than most in that side discussion doesn't derail this type of thread. Assuming the previous discussion has past, on-topic posts can only resume when someone sees another absurd VMS, which will happen whether we talk about food/smoking/alcohol or not.
Quote from: Rothman on May 10, 2022, 01:38:01 PM
This thread's entering dumpster fire territory.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/2021-05-22_13_08_55_Variable_message_sign_reading_%22Fire_Danger_High_-_Use_Ashtray%2C_Not_the_Roadway%22_along_southbound_New_Jersey_State_Route_444_%28Garden_State_Parkway%29_just_south_of_Exit_67_in_Barnegat_Township%2C_Ocean_County%2C_New_Jersey.jpg/320px-thumbnail.jpg)
Quote from: Rothman on May 10, 2022, 01:38:01 PM
This thread's entering dumpster fire territory.
I already reported the thread suggesting a split into offtopic (although deletion may be a wiser thing)
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 01:36:28 PM
(a) The link between consumption of sugary drinks and various health risks are even more firmly established than the link between tobacco and various health risks
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 01:29:41 PM
But excess consumption of both salt and sugar is demonstrably unhealthy.
So basically both of you will support bacon ban as saturated fats are unhealthy. Well, that only reinforces my fears for caffeine ban
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:14:42 PMSo basically both of you will support bacon ban as saturated fats are unhealthy.
This slippery slope/strawman combination fallacy is bad enough on its own, but you appear to have overlooked the posts where both of us have said that we do not, in fact, support [a] bacon ban.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 11:12:19 AM
but if the health care costs for people who consume mass amounts of saturated fat are significantly higher than those who don't, then I wouldn't object to insurance companies charging more in premiums for people who consume mass amounts of saturated fat.
There are some insurance plans that do just that. Not by charging more, but by giving less for those that don't meet certain health goals. Like regular well-care visits, participating in smoking cessation programs, targeting your weight. Don't do that, and you might not get a full contribution to your HSA.
Back to roads, I could see insurance settlements being modified if you were found to be partially at fault for the severity of your injuries, because you didn't wear a seatbelt or didn't wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle or bicycle. But since the onus would then fall on government programs like Medicare instead, it probably is a non-starter.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 02:20:07 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:14:42 PMSo basically both of you will support bacon ban as saturated fats are unhealthy.
This slippery slope/strawman combination fallacy is bad enough on its own, but you appear to have overlooked the posts where both of us have said that we do not, in fact, support [a] bacon ban.
You say that you do not, but you're clearly well prepared to do so after some media pressure quoting "sajentifik ree-surch"
It is a question of a fine line between reasonable precautions benefiting most and a nanny state. That line seem to be moving quite a bit. DO you know where would that line be in 20 years? I don't.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:27:58 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 02:20:07 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:14:42 PMSo basically both of you will support bacon ban as saturated fats are unhealthy.
This slippery slope/strawman combination fallacy is bad enough on its own, but you appear to have overlooked the posts where both of us have said that we do not, in fact, support [a] bacon ban.
You say that you do not, but you're clearly well prepared to do so after some media pressure quoting "sajentifik ree-surch"
...yes, I do trust scientific research. Not sure how (((the media))) fits into this.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:27:58 PMIt is a question of a fine line between reasonable precautions benefiting most and a nanny state.
Not really, no - most of what I think of as "nanny state laws" are overcorrecting an issue that doesn't benefit a majority of the population.
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:27:58 PMThat line seem to be moving quite a bit. DO you know where would that line be in 20 years? I don't.
What are some laws passed in the last 20 years that you believe are nanny-state laws and would have been unpalatable prior to then?
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:14:42 PM
So basically both of you will support bacon ban as saturated fats are unhealthy. Well, that only reinforces my fears for caffeine ban
No, we're pointing out a critical difference between alcohol/tobacco/saturated/fat/salt/sugar legislation and caffeine legislation. It doesn't mean we necessarily agree with the former–merely that we don't consider them to be analogous to the latter.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 02:37:21 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:27:58 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 02:20:07 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:14:42 PMSo basically both of you will support bacon ban as saturated fats are unhealthy.
This slippery slope/strawman combination fallacy is bad enough on its own, but you appear to have overlooked the posts where both of us have said that we do not, in fact, support [a] bacon ban.
You say that you do not, but you're clearly well prepared to do so after some media pressure quoting "sajentifik ree-surch"
...yes, I do trust scientific research. Not sure how (((the media))) fits into this.
And I don't. Signed:
Kalvado, PhD; 25+ years of work in research (geez, time flies!).
There is so much crap coming into the media under "zis iz sajens" logo.... And most people don't go to pubmed or arXiv when they read about yet another "scientific breakthrough" even if they trust
science cnn interpretation
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 03:19:08 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 02:37:21 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:27:58 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 02:20:07 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 10, 2022, 02:14:42 PMSo basically both of you will support bacon ban as saturated fats are unhealthy.
This slippery slope/strawman combination fallacy is bad enough on its own, but you appear to have overlooked the posts where both of us have said that we do not, in fact, support [a] bacon ban.
You say that you do not, but you're clearly well prepared to do so after some media pressure quoting "sajentifik ree-surch"
...yes, I do trust scientific research. Not sure how (((the media))) fits into this.
And I don't. Signed:
Kalvado, PhD; 25+ years of work in research (geez, time flies!).
There is so much crap coming into the media under "zis iz sajens" logo.... And most people don't go to pubmed or arXiv when they read about yet another "scientific breakthrough" even if they trust science cnn interpretation
25+ years of work in research and not one class on logical fallacies. Sad!
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 12:01:10 PM
I've said it before:
If bicycles were invented today, people wouldn't be allowed to ride them.
I've used this example I'm the past: Checks. A check usually has your name, address, and account number, bank routing number on it. The stranger that you hand that check to now has all your bank information.
I can fill out a withdraw slip at that bank to take out money, and the only thing between me and that money may be the teller asking for ID.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2022, 04:51:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 12:01:10 PM
I've said it before:
If bicycles were invented today, people wouldn't be allowed to ride them.
I've used this example I'm the past: Checks. A check usually has your name, address, and account number, bank routing number on it. The stranger that you hand that check to now has all your bank information.
I can fill out a withdraw slip at that bank to take out money, and the only thing between me and that money may be the teller asking for ID.
Are you talking about present day, or 30 years ago?
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 05:06:34 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2022, 04:51:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 12:01:10 PM
I've said it before:
If bicycles were invented today, people wouldn't be allowed to ride them.
I've used this example I'm the past: Checks. A check usually has your name, address, and account number, bank routing number on it. The stranger that you hand that check to now has all your bank information.
I can fill out a withdraw slip at that bank to take out money, and the only thing between me and that money may be the teller asking for ID.
Are you talking about present day, or 30 years ago?
If they were invented today.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2022, 05:13:34 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 10, 2022, 05:06:34 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2022, 04:51:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 12:01:10 PM
I've said it before:
If bicycles were invented today, people wouldn't be allowed to ride them.
I've used this example I'm the past: Checks. A check usually has your name, address, and account number, bank routing number on it. The stranger that you hand that check to now has all your bank information.
I can fill out a withdraw slip at that bank to take out money, and the only thing between me and that money may be the teller asking for ID.
Are you talking about present day, or 30 years ago?
If they were invented today.
I mean...did everything else happen on the same timeline and it's just checks that were invented today?
Again, dumpster fire, I say, dumpster fire!
Quote from: Rothman on May 10, 2022, 06:02:26 PM
Again, dumpster fire, I say, dumpster fire!
Sorry for disturbing your trash diving session...
Attempting to get this thread back on track:
MDOT (Michigan) does it again: VMS before a four-way interchange, and the one leg for which information is given is the one not accessible.
(https://i.imgur.com/sW6YUL2.jpg)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/f8888e396bae8a4f77214819d62cc0d1/dbea924cb286352d-9f/s1280x1920/920809de96b4d17d7d76e5b91058ff576a72e2c2.jpg)
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 23, 2022, 05:03:02 PM
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/f8888e396bae8a4f77214819d62cc0d1/dbea924cb286352d-9f/s1280x1920/920809de96b4d17d7d76e5b91058ff576a72e2c2.jpg)
Okay, you win! :clap:
(https://i.imgur.com/2WZOvTA.jpg)
Sigh... and redundant, to boot!
Quote from: MCRoads on June 06, 2022, 10:47:19 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/2WZOvTA.jpg)
Sigh... and redundant, to boot!
Translation: Yes, there is enough highway capacity for you to change lanes, and there's nothing physically preventing you from doing it, and we know you really want to, and we admit it's a common thing for drivers to do, but we think you'll agree that it's a bad idea just because of the design we chose to paint the road with.
I just encountered a ground-mounted VMS in downtown Lawrence, MA that cycled through ten slides. It was five in English and five in Spanish (Lawrence is bilingual), but even a five-slide VMS is supposed to be discouraged.
It was about motorcycles requiring registration and certain types of vehicles (such as four-wheelers) being banned entirely in Lawrence.
The location was here (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.705815,-71.1618392,3a,75y,344.52h,89.43t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_-yF7-SRDuAy2RHJnWfaGA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192), meaning you can't whiz past it (note the do not enter sign), but still...
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 23, 2022, 05:03:02 PM
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/f8888e396bae8a4f77214819d62cc0d1/dbea924cb286352d-9f/s1280x1920/920809de96b4d17d7d76e5b91058ff576a72e2c2.jpg)
Ah yes my favorite the bsod vms
Rochester-area VMS's today had something like this:
(A)
I-490 EASTBOUND
2 PM TO 4 PM
EXITS 10 TO 25
(B)
HEAVY TRAFFIC EXPECTED
PREPARE TO STOP
Exit 10 is west of downtown and Exit 25 is NY 31F (the exit for St. John Fisher College), so my first thought was that maybe the heavy traffic expected was for Bills training camp. But no, it turns out that starts at 9:45 AM. So I'm not sure what's going on, but whatever it is, it's big enough to catch NYSDOT's attention. We'll see if the same message is still up tomorrow.
An unusually deep-thinking VMS statement from NJDOT today...
IF YOU FEEL DIFFERENT
YOU DRIVE DIFFERENT
Quote from: CoreySamson on February 14, 2021, 07:46:22 PM
I posted an intersection in the redesign this intersection thread (288B @ Wilkins in Angleton, TX for those interested) because it's honestly not great. And it appears TxDot attempted to solve it ... with a portable VMS. It said something like this:
HIGH CRASH VOLUME
INTERSECTION AHEAD
--------------------------
USE CAUTION
Earlier in the pandemic, I saw another VMS there that said something about social distancing and masks, but I don't really feel that counts in the cultural climate of today.
It seems that the town has decided to make this VMS their personal city messaging board for city events. From what I've seen of it in the last year, it's advertised everything from a daddy-daughter dance to a July 4th fireworks show.
I'm guessing it's there since that intersection backs up frequently enough that drivers are basically a captive audience.
Quote from: kphoger on June 07, 2022, 09:41:50 AM
Quote from: MCRoads on June 06, 2022, 10:47:19 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/2WZOvTA.jpg)
Sigh... and redundant, to boot!
Translation: Yes, there is enough highway capacity for you to change lanes, and there's nothing physically preventing you from doing it, and we know you really want to, and we admit it's a common thing for drivers to do, but we think you'll agree that it's a bad idea just because of the design we chose to paint the road with.
Actual translation: That is a toll lane. Don't cross those lines, otherwise you will be paying a big fine for toll violations.
Quote from: MCRoads on August 23, 2022, 01:13:02 AM
Quote from: kphoger on June 07, 2022, 09:41:50 AM
Quote from: MCRoads on June 06, 2022, 10:47:19 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/2WZOvTA.jpg)
Sigh... and redundant, to boot!
Translation: Yes, there is enough highway capacity for you to change lanes, and there's nothing physically preventing you from doing it, and we know you really want to, and we admit it's a common thing for drivers to do, but we think you'll agree that it's a bad idea just because of the design we chose to paint the road with.
Actual translation: That is a toll lane. Don't cross those lines, otherwise you will be paying a big fine for toll violations.
Actual actual translation: STAY IN YOUR OWN DAMN LANE!
OK, just spotted this on I-40 in California. I guess the conversation at Caltrans District HQ went something like this:
"Let's add Goffs Road to that VMS!"
"What's that again?" "Goffs Road." "Got it, boss. Golf's."
(https://i.imgur.com/GBeXjul.png)
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 23, 2022, 05:03:02 PM
[empty post after pic removal]
Ha, I know this happened in a Catalan speaking area of Spain, although I haven't been able to pinpoint the exact location yet.
One I saw in Vermont the other day:
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
OH CELL NO!
Saw this creepy thing in a couple of different places in NY a week or so ago:
SEE THE SIGN
OBEY THE SIGN
Quote from: Rothman on September 05, 2022, 12:43:12 PM
Saw this creepy thing in a couple of different places in NY a week or so ago:
SEE THE SIGN
OBEY THE SIGN
Haven't seen that one (yet). I personally like the "DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER" ones I saw on the Thruway recently.
I don't remember the exact message (the business has closed), but a Flea Market /Antique Shop in Alma, AR had a sign in their parking lot advertising their store.
Multiple portable VMSes around Port Angeles last weekend:
CLALLAM
COUNTY
SHERIFF
NOW
HIRING
DEPUTIES
Quote from: jay8g on September 11, 2022, 03:22:34 AM
Multiple portable VMSes around Port Angeles last weekend:
CLALLAM
COUNTY
SHERIFF
NOW
HIRING
DEPUTIES
Imagine if they changed a couple words on that:
CLALLAM
COUNTY
JAIL
NOW
HIRING
INMATES
Today's MnDOT entry:
SKOL!
DESIGNATED DRIVERS
I'm sure that was extra sore for the local Packers contingent today.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 13, 2022, 03:19:30 AM
Today's MnDOT entry:
SKOL!
DESIGNATED DRIVERS
I'm sure that was extra sore for the local Packers contingent today.
At first glance, I thought it was an ad for Skoal tobacco.
Vermont has some fun ones on VT 108 approaching Smugglers Notch:
TT UNITS
WILL GET STUCK
YOUR GPS
IS WRONG!
(Here's some additional context (https://www.wcax.com/2022/06/28/why-do-trucks-keep-getting-stuck-notch-road/) for those who might not know.)
Wisconsin today:
OPE, GEEZ
GET HOME SAFELY
DRIVE SOBER
At 9:19 in the following video:
HOCUS POCUS
DRIVE WITH FOCUS
Sounds like the Feds might be pumping some brakes on the funny safety related VMS messages, at least in NJ:
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/nj-department-of-transportation-road-signs-20221116.html
QuoteAs of Wednesday afternoon, messages such as "Get your head out of your apps" and "mash potatoes – not your head" are no longer visible on the New Jersey Department of Transportation's network of 215 permanent digital alert signs throughout the state. Similar messages have been used in other states, including Utah, Pennsylvania, Delaware, California, and Tennessee.
"The FHWA [Federal Highway Administration] has instructed us to cease posting these creative safety messages," Stephen Schapiro, NJDOT's press manager, said in an email Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement, the FHWA said that it "is aware of the changeable message signs and has reached out to NJDOT." Representatives from FHWA did not comment on why New Jersey was told to stop using the messages.
FHWA did not respond to questions about whether other states would be asked to change their roadside messaging.
Quote from: Mr. Matté on November 17, 2022, 08:03:11 AM
Sounds like the Feds might be pumping some brakes on the funny safety related VMS messages, at least in NJ:
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/nj-department-of-transportation-road-signs-20221116.html
QuoteAs of Wednesday afternoon, messages such as "Get your head out of your apps" and "mash potatoes – not your head" are no longer visible on the New Jersey Department of Transportation's network of 215 permanent digital alert signs throughout the state. Similar messages have been used in other states, including Utah, Pennsylvania, Delaware, California, and Tennessee.
"The FHWA [Federal Highway Administration] has instructed us to cease posting these creative safety messages," Stephen Schapiro, NJDOT's press manager, said in an email Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement, the FHWA said that it "is aware of the changeable message signs and has reached out to NJDOT." Representatives from FHWA did not comment on why New Jersey was told to stop using the messages.
FHWA did not respond to questions about whether other states would be asked to change their roadside messaging.
I wonder if Delware was told the same thing, as they're still using cutsy signage.
Maybe New Jersey can get by with truth in VMSvertising.
CRASH 1 MILE
BLOOD AND GUTS EVERYWHERE
RIGHT LANE CLOSED
Quote from: Mr. Matté on November 17, 2022, 08:03:11 AM
Sounds like the Feds might be pumping some brakes on the funny safety related VMS messages, at least in NJ:
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/nj-department-of-transportation-road-signs-20221116.html
QuoteAs of Wednesday afternoon, messages such as "Get your head out of your apps" and "mash potatoes – not your head" are no longer visible on the New Jersey Department of Transportation's network of 215 permanent digital alert signs throughout the state. Similar messages have been used in other states, including Utah, Pennsylvania, Delaware, California, and Tennessee.
"The FHWA [Federal Highway Administration] has instructed us to cease posting these creative safety messages," Stephen Schapiro, NJDOT's press manager, said in an email Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement, the FHWA said that it "is aware of the changeable message signs and has reached out to NJDOT." Representatives from FHWA did not comment on why New Jersey was told to stop using the messages.
FHWA did not respond to questions about whether other states would be asked to change their roadside messaging.
Is FHWA's problem with the fact that the messages are supposed to be funny or clever, or that they're being used for persistent safety messages in general? If their concern is the latter, maybe they believe that VMS's end up being less effective if they're always being used for general safety messages. If it's the former, then I guess they don't understand marketing. I'd rather have
tasteful and clever but still clear messages than just generic "Buckle Up!" type signs.
I'd rather have them issue something about SILVER and AMBER alerts, how they shouldn't override all other messaging about travel times or congestion.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 17, 2022, 08:44:29 AM
Maybe New Jersey can get by with truth in VMSvertising.
CRASH 1 MILE
BLOOD AND GUTS EVERYWHERE
RIGHT LANE CLOSED
CRASH 1 MILE
BE A RUBBERNECK &
YOU MIGHT BE NEXT
Quote from: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 01:54:58 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 17, 2022, 08:44:29 AM
Maybe New Jersey can get by with truth in VMSvertising.
CRASH 1 MILE
BLOOD AND GUTS EVERYWHERE
RIGHT LANE CLOSED
CRASH 1 MILE
BE A RUBBERNECK &
YOU MIGHT BE NEXT
I like that, but I'd modify it slightly:
CRASH 1 MILE
RUBBERNECKERS
MIGHT BE NEXT
Quote from: webny99 on November 17, 2022, 01:58:56 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 01:54:58 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 17, 2022, 08:44:29 AM
Maybe New Jersey can get by with truth in VMSvertising.
CRASH 1 MILE
BLOOD AND GUTS EVERYWHERE
RIGHT LANE CLOSED
CRASH 1 MILE
BE A RUBBERNECK &
YOU MIGHT BE NEXT
I like that, but I'd modify it slightly:
CRASH 1 MILE
RUBBERNECKERS
MIGHT BE NEXT
The problem with trying to eliminate rubberneecking is you can only go as fast as the person in front of you. Remember...the driver behind you is pissed off at YOU for going slow also!
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 17, 2022, 03:39:31 PM
The problem with trying to eliminate rubberneecking is you can only go as fast as the person in front of you. Remember...the driver behind you is pissed off at YOU for going slow also!
That's why the sign would also be illuminated for the driver in front of you.
Maybe New Jersey should take a page out of Ukraine's book and start just displaying "Fuck you" on their VMSes.
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:30:41 PM
Maybe New Jersey should take a page out of Ukraine's book and start just displaying "Fuck you" on their VMSes.
I honestly wouldn't be surprised if I saw that on a VMS banner in New Jersey. It would shock me in Wisconsin or Missouri (the two states I've lived in most of my life). But New Jersey? I'd practically expect it.
Quote from: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 03:42:58 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 17, 2022, 03:39:31 PM
The problem with trying to eliminate rubberneecking is you can only go as fast as the person in front of you. Remember...the driver behind you is pissed off at YOU for going slow also!
That's why the sign would also be illuminated for the driver in front of you.
And the driver in front of them, and the driver in front of them, and the driver in front of them...
QuoteROLLING A JOINT?
PARK IT LIKE ITS HOT!
near Exit 164 in Boulder, MT on I-15 as spotted on 511mdt.net
I'm going to assume this is a PSA for cannabis junkies.
Saw this on NY 390 in Rochester, NY on a portable VMS.
DRIVE
WHILE
HIGH
OUT OF
YOUR
MIND
Wait, they want me to drive while high out of my mind?
From IDOT on 90/94 into Chicago: https://goo.gl/maps/gnqUNG5nN1yn3PyS7
DON'T OFFEND
DON'T ENGAGE
AVOID ROAD RAGE
I find this one a bit odd when it comes to "Don't Offend". In some cases, a simple lane change can piss someone off. And I mean a proper lane change, not a cut-off.
Quote from: steviep24 on January 05, 2023, 07:38:28 PM
Saw this on NY 390 in Rochester, NY on a portable VMS.
DRIVE
WHILE
HIGH
OUT OF
YOUR
MIND
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 05, 2023, 07:47:19 PM
Wait, they want me to drive while high out of my mind?
I think it may have been...
DRIVING
WHILE HIGH?
YOUR'E OUT
OF YOUR MIND
(Ironically enough, I don't remember for sure because I actually
was at least partially out of my mind when I saw these signs last weekend, as I was a passenger and was drifting off to sleep at times.)
Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2023, 05:02:30 PM
Quote from: steviep24 on January 05, 2023, 07:38:28 PM
Saw this on NY 390 in Rochester, NY on a portable VMS.
DRIVE
WHILE
HIGH
OUT OF
YOUR
MIND
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 05, 2023, 07:47:19 PM
Wait, they want me to drive while high out of my mind?
I think it may have been...
DRIVING
WHILE HIGH?
YOUR'E OUT
OF YOUR MIND
(Ironically enough, I don't remember for sure because I actually was at least partially out of my mind when I saw these signs last weekend, as I was a passenger and was drifting off to sleep at times.)
Now my experience with this message... There is a big truck on my front left (I just merged highway), so I don't see left shoulder too far.
A VMS coomes into the view from behind the truck
YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND
VMS vanishes behind me
0_o
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 06, 2023, 10:19:09 AM
From IDOT on 90/94 into Chicago: https://goo.gl/maps/gnqUNG5nN1yn3PyS7
DON'T OFFEND
DON'T ENGAGE
AVOID ROAD RAGE
I find this one a bit odd when it comes to "Don't Offend". In some cases, a simple lane change can piss someone off. And I mean a proper lane change, not a cut-off.
Does honking a horn for 10 seconds while recording it count as not engaging?
From WisDOT:
HEAVY EYELIDS
CRUSH CARS
This one's just too on the nose. Or above the nose, I guess.
Pick one! And with the blizzard underway, maybe use the other to give us a couple drive times? Or would that be too helpful?
(https://i.imgur.com/9XKGl89.jpg)
As some of you may be aware, the Vegas Golden Knights are currently vying for the NHL Stanley Cup.
In that spirit, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada posted on Instagram a few days ago images from traffic cams showing three separate VMS safety messages that they recently displayed along Las Vegas area freeways:
THE GOAL IS
ZERO FATALITIES
GO KNIGHTS GO
SAFE DRIVERS
SAVE LIVES
DAY AND KNIGHT
CROSS CHECK
YOUR SEATBELT
DRIVE SAFE
With Taylor Swift's tour coming to Minneapolis this weekend, MnDOT is using puns from her songs:
CUT OFF?
DON'T GET BAD BLOOD
SHAKE IT OFF
Seen on the New Jersey side of the Betsy Ross Bridge this past Sunday: "IF YOU'RE TEXTING, WHO'S DRIVING?" That's pretty clever, I think.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 19, 2023, 04:21:47 PM
With Taylor Swift's tour coming to Minneapolis this weekend, MnDOT is using puns from her songs:
CUT OFF?
DON'T GET BAD BLOOD
SHAKE IT OFF
Theoretical question: If a VMS is displaying a non-compliant message, and a driver gets into an accident and they claim to have been distracted by reading that non-compliant message, could the state DOT be liable for damages?
NYSDOT has these this week in the Rochester, NY area.
EYES UP
PHONE DOWN
DON'T TEXT
AND DRIVE
DON'T TEST
AND DRIVE
ARRIVE
ALIVE
The sign actually had that typo.
Also, there are messages about move over law.
Quote from: roadfro on June 09, 2023, 09:47:12 AM
As some of you may be aware, the Vegas Golden Knights are currently vying for the NHL Stanley Cup.
In that spirit, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada posted on Instagram a few days ago images from traffic cams showing three separate VMS safety messages that they recently displayed along Las Vegas area freeways:
THE GOAL IS
ZERO FATALITIES
GO KNIGHTS GO
SAFE DRIVERS
SAVE LIVES
DAY AND KNIGHT
CROSS CHECK
YOUR SEATBELT
DRIVE SAFE
Quote from: steviep24 on November 15, 2023, 07:18:40 PM
NYSDOT has these this week in the Rochester, NY area.
EYES UP
PHONE DOWN
DON'T TEXT
AND DRIVE
DON'T TEST
AND DRIVE
ARRIVE
ALIVE
The sign actually had that typo.
Also, there are messages about move over law.
I saw a set of messages in Orlando similar in nature to these two examples. This was around the end of June 2023, and some CFX message boards on FL-408 and FL-417 near UCF said something along the lines of:
PHONES DOWN, FLAGS UP
GO KNIGHTS
CHARGE ON
I can't remember exactly what it said but this was what I recall. For reference, the mascot of UCF (University of Central Florida) is also the Knights.
Florida is also slowly rolling out messages about the changed move-over law, but it seems to be varying by district.
On several Toledo OH-area VMSs in the wee hours this morning:
OHIO AGAINST
THE WORLD
AND DRUNK DRIVING
WTF? Is there some college sports scandal down there too?
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 25, 2023, 09:38:02 AM
On several Toledo OH-area VMSs in the wee hours this morning:
OHIO AGAINST
THE WORLD
AND DRUNK DRIVING
WTF? Is there some college sports scandal down there too?
With the Bobcats?
(It didn't say "Ohio State" who play Michigan)
Quote from: Big John on November 25, 2023, 09:51:00 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 25, 2023, 09:38:02 AM
On several Toledo OH-area VMSs in the wee hours this morning:
OHIO AGAINST
THE WORLD
AND DRUNK DRIVING
WTF? Is there some college sports scandal down there too?
With the Bobcats?
(It didn't say "Ohio State" who play Michigan)
Probably because there wasn't room to add the pretentious "THE" in front of OHIO STATE, which seems to be required in that state (and hated everywhere else).
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2019, 10:20:15 PM
Quote from: jbnv on January 16, 2019, 04:33:31 PM
We've gotten more pith about speeding since the New Year.
I'm calling it now: If the Saints win the Super Bowl, we'll get VMS messages urging us to "BE A SAINT" or "DRIVE LIKE A CHAMPION" followed by something about reducing speed, driving sober, not texting while driving, etc.
Instead, you get this (and it's correct, too):
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190123/3e33ea218bb7004a48ccfae15a850ebd.jpg)
Now if that is near a toll plaza, imagine non-football fans thinking it was referring to an actual robbery.and they report it to 911. Much in the same vein as a city bus displaying a CALL 911 on the outside LED signs if there is/was trouble on the bus..
And soon apparently the party ends...
https://thehill.com/homenews/4408440-no-joke-feds-banning-humorous-electronic-messages-on-highways/
Apparently this is an MUTCD update banning by 2026 any VMS that has "obscure meanings, references to pop culture or those intended to be funny."
Quote from: SectorZ on January 15, 2024, 10:57:59 AM
And soon apparently the party ends...
https://thehill.com/homenews/4408440-no-joke-feds-banning-humorous-electronic-messages-on-highways/
Apparently this is an MUTCD update banning by 2026 any VMS that has "obscure meanings, references to pop culture or those intended to be funny."
Is it a should or shall?
Quote from: Rothman on January 15, 2024, 11:03:26 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on January 15, 2024, 10:57:59 AM
And soon apparently the party ends...
https://thehill.com/homenews/4408440-no-joke-feds-banning-humorous-electronic-messages-on-highways/
Apparently this is an MUTCD update banning by 2026 any VMS that has "obscure meanings, references to pop culture or those intended to be funny."
Is it a should or shall?
from the article:
QuoteThe agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said signs should be "simple, direct, brief, legible and clear" and only be used for important information such as warning drivers of crashes ahead, adverse weather conditions and traffic delays. Seatbelt reminders and warnings about the dangers of speeding or driving impaired are also allowed.
Quote from: Big John on January 15, 2024, 11:24:39 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 15, 2024, 11:03:26 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on January 15, 2024, 10:57:59 AM
And soon apparently the party ends...
https://thehill.com/homenews/4408440-no-joke-feds-banning-humorous-electronic-messages-on-highways/
Apparently this is an MUTCD update banning by 2026 any VMS that has "obscure meanings, references to pop culture or those intended to be funny."
Is it a should or shall?
from the article:
QuoteThe agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, said signs should be "simple, direct, brief, legible and clear" and only be used for important information such as warning drivers of crashes ahead, adverse weather conditions and traffic delays. Seatbelt reminders and warnings about the dangers of speeding or driving impaired are also allowed.
Article language doesn't matter. MUTCD language does.
From page 510 MUTCD (550 in PDF)
CHAPTER 2L. CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS
04 CMS messaging can be subject to habituation, a phenomenon by which repeated exposure to a stimulus results
in diminished response. CMS habituation can occur through repeated exposure to messages, especially those
messages that might not be perceived as having relevance to the road user, resulting in diminished responsiveness
of the road user to that message. Because messages can be changed or extinguished, the effectiveness of CMS is
tied more to the messages displayed thereon, the frequency of displayed messages, and the relevance to the road
user, rather than to the installation of the signs themselves.
Guidance:
05 Changeable message signs should be used judiciously to avoid habituation and preserve their effectiveness
during the display of real-time messages about traffic conditions or traffic advisories.
This seems to be where the story got started: https://www.thedrive.com/news/feds-want-states-to-cut-the-jokes-on-highway-signs
From there, it seems to have migrated to a couple of TV channels, and then it blossomed into an AP newswire item.
I'm not seeing where the FHWA directive or the 2026 enforcement date is coming from, however. While the OP links it to the new MUTCD...neither the "shall" nor the 2026 date are present, and I didn't see a separate announcement on the FHWA website.
I did see this memorandum from 2021: https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/interpretations/2_09_174.htm
QuoteClear and simple messages are easy to read and comprehend with only short glances away from the roadway, resulting in minimal visual and cognitive distraction from the driving task. The use of witticisms, colloquialisms, and popular culture references that target or are comprehended only by a limited segment of the population is not consistent with a clear, simple meaning for all. Instead, these messages rely on hidden meanings or targeted cultural knowledge to understand the message. Similarly, the use of newly coined terms (neologisms), words combining the meanings of two words or blending of sounds (portmanteaus), metadata tags ("hashtags"), electronic shorthand ("Internet slang"), and other forms that do not use conventional syntax do not convey a clear, simple meaning to many road users.
...so I wouldn't be surprised if some sort of official party-pooping is in the process of being released.
Of course, considering how many fans there are of the fun messages, I also wouldn't be surprised if political pressure is applied to reverse a new ruling...if one exists.
Quote
...so I wouldn't be surprised if some sort of official party-pooping is in the process of being released.
Of course, considering how many fans there are of the fun messages, I also wouldn't be surprised if political pressure is applied to reverse a new ruling...if one exists.
I would argue that it's not the government's job to entertain people.
If the FHWA is ruling that these non-compliant signs create an unsafe or distracting environment for drivers, and a state or agency chooses to ignore the ruling, I think it opens the door for those states or agencies for liability if it can be proven (or successfully argued) that a non-compliant message was the cause of a crash.
Quote from: PColumbus73 on January 15, 2024, 06:07:36 PM
If the FHWA is ruling that these non-compliant signs create an unsafe or distracting environment for drivers, and a state or agency chooses to ignore the ruling, I think it opens the door for those states or agencies for liability if it can be proven (or successfully argued) that a non-compliant message was the cause of a crash.
From what I'm reading, the main argument against them is that they lead people to simply ignore the signs altogether—thereby making them ignorant of actual incidents when they occur.
And really, if you spend so many messages being silly, then can you blame people for starting to see the signs as just something silly?
MnDOT is already downplaying this "edict" and saying it won't affect their ability to produce "creative" messeges.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 17, 2024, 12:24:38 AM
MnDOT is already downplaying this "edict" and saying it won't affect their ability to produce "creative" messeges.
Same with NYSDOT. It is being read as a recommendation ("should"), rather than a ban.
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2024, 06:37:45 PM
From what I'm reading, the main argument against them is that they lead people to simply ignore the signs altogether—thereby making them ignorant of actual incidents when they occur.
And really, if you spend so many messages being silly, then can you blame people for starting to see the signs as just something silly?
On the other hand, if someone normally finds the message entertaining, they might be
more likely to look at the sign when there's something important up there.
Oklahoma usually doesn't put anything interesting on theirs, so if I don't catch a VMS message for some reason, I feel like I'm not missing much—I assume it was just an Amber alert, travel times, "SIGN UNDER TEST", or something like that.
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 15, 2024, 01:53:23 PM
I'm not seeing where the FHWA directive or the 2026 enforcement date is coming from, however. While the OP links it to the new MUTCD...neither the "shall" nor the 2026 date are present, and I didn't see a separate announcement on the FHWA website.
Yeah, I couldn't figure out where 2026 came from until I saw this on the FHWA MUTCD homepage, could this (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/index.htm) where 2026 compliance is coming from? Since the effective date is January 18, 2024, that means states must comply by January 18, 2026?
Quote from: FHWA: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways HomeOn December 19, 2023, a Final Rule adopting the 11th Edition of the MUTCD was published in the Federal Register with an effective date of January 18, 2024. States must adopt the 11th Edition of the National MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices within two years from the effective date. The Federal Register notice, which provides detailed discussion of the final dispositions of major changes from the 2009 edition, can be viewed at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-27178.
Quote from: Rothman on January 17, 2024, 06:56:48 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 17, 2024, 12:24:38 AM
MnDOT is already downplaying this "edict" and saying it won't affect their ability to produce "creative" messeges.
Same with NYSDOT. It is being read as a recommendation ("should"), rather than a ban.
I can't imagine this being the hill for states to die on. It's like NH with their hatred of standardizing exit numbers to the rest of the USA.
So similar to the athlete at the press conference answering everything with, "I just don't want a fine."
Now VMS can say, "We want to say something clever, but MUTCD won't let us". (I know, it wouldn't fit.)
Quote from: FHWA: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways HomeOn December 19, 2023, a Final Rule adopting the 11th Edition of the MUTCD was published in the Federal Register with an effective date of January 18, 2024. States must adopt the 11th Edition of the National MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices within two years from the effective date. The Federal Register notice, which provides detailed discussion of the final dispositions of major changes from the 2009 edition, can be viewed at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-27178.
[/quote]
No room for the adoption of a state version of the federal document, which states could previously do? If so, then say goodbye to California's cutout US route markers.
Quote from: hbelkins on January 17, 2024, 02:34:41 PM
Quote from: FHWA: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways HomeOn December 19, 2023, a Final Rule adopting the 11th Edition of the MUTCD was published in the Federal Register with an effective date of January 18, 2024. States must adopt the 11th Edition of the National MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices within two years from the effective date. The Federal Register notice, which provides detailed discussion of the final dispositions of major changes from the 2009 edition, can be viewed at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-27178.
No room for the adoption of a state version of the federal document, which states could previously do? If so, then say goodbye to California's cutout US route markers.
[/quote]
Nah. NY is starting an update to its supplement. Feds first, states second.
Quote from: hbelkins on January 17, 2024, 02:34:41 PM
Quote from: FHWA: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways HomeOn December 19, 2023, a Final Rule adopting the 11th Edition of the MUTCD was published in the Federal Register with an effective date of January 18, 2024. States must adopt the 11th Edition of the National MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices within two years from the effective date. The Federal Register notice, which provides detailed discussion of the final dispositions of major changes from the 2009 edition, can be viewed at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-27178.
No room for the adoption of a state version of the federal document, which states could previously do? If so, then say goodbye to California's cutout US route markers.
[/quote]
In any case, state MUTCDs were/are required to be compliant with the federal MUTCD anyway, so having a state MUTCD wasn't really meant as a way to be able to do different things than federal.
I fully expect TxDOT will tell Secretary Buttigieg to do exactly what you'd expect a Trumpy Texas official to tell him to do.
Some of TxDOT's messages are actually clever and drive the point of safety home.
Looks like FHWA will continue to tolerate funny messages.
https://www.chron.com/culture/article/funny-txdot-highway-signs-18613102.php
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 22, 2024, 03:12:34 PM
Looks like FHWA will continue to tolerate funny messages.
https://www.chron.com/culture/article/funny-txdot-highway-signs-18613102.php
Yeah, duh.
Just like a bunch of us have been saying on this forum. The "ban" was exaggerated.
Bad, media! Bad!
Quote from: Rothman on January 22, 2024, 03:13:30 PM
The "ban" was exaggerated.
Or, more concisely: There never was a ban.
Quote from: Rothman on January 17, 2024, 05:08:48 PMNY is starting an update to its supplement.
Let's hope the first update to the NY supplement is to get rid of that ancient cover picture. The sign depicted on page 251 could use an update as well.
https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/repository/B-2011Supplement-adopted.pdf
Quote from: SidS1045 on January 24, 2024, 01:16:39 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 17, 2024, 05:08:48 PMNY is starting an update to its supplement.
Let's hope the first update to the NY supplement is to get rid of that ancient cover picture. The sign depicted on page 251 could use an update as well.
https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/repository/B-2011Supplement-adopted.pdf
They need to change the governor's name on the welcome sign to Alfred E Newman.
Quote from: FrCorySticha on January 24, 2024, 05:10:38 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on January 24, 2024, 01:16:39 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 17, 2024, 05:08:48 PMNY is starting an update to its supplement.
Let's hope the first update to the NY supplement is to get rid of that ancient cover picture. The sign depicted on page 251 could use an update as well.
https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/repository/B-2011Supplement-adopted.pdf
They need to change the governor's name on the welcome sign to Alfred E Newman.
Got something against Gov. Hochul, do we?
Quote from: Rothman on January 24, 2024, 05:46:33 PM
Quote from: FrCorySticha on January 24, 2024, 05:10:38 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on January 24, 2024, 01:16:39 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 17, 2024, 05:08:48 PMNY is starting an update to its supplement.
Let's hope the first update to the NY supplement is to get rid of that ancient cover picture. The sign depicted on page 251 could use an update as well.
https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/repository/B-2011Supplement-adopted.pdf
They need to change the governor's name on the welcome sign to Alfred E Newman.
Got something against Gov. Hochul, do we?
No, nothing political. The example sign has Alfred E Smith, so it would be an easy change to the name of the character from Mad Magazine.
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 22, 2024, 03:12:34 PM
Looks like FHWA will continue to tolerate funny messages.
https://www.chron.com/culture/article/funny-txdot-highway-signs-18613102.php
Attorney Kevin Underhill commented on this in his legal humor blog (https://www.loweringthebar.net/2024/01/federal-government-frowns-upon-humorous-electronic-traffic-signs.html) (really), including an explanation of the MUTCD for the non-roadgeeks out there.
NY trying to combine clear messages with some extra love today.
DEAR VALENTINE
BUCKLE UP
SHOW YOUR LOVE
PUT PHONE DOWN
The CityBus system in Lafayette/West Lafayette displays BOILER UP on the bus VMS's during game days, especially for the buses on Purdue's campus.
Apparently this is a problem in Arizona?
(https://i.imgur.com/0XKvPOr.jpg)
Enough of a problem on CA 168 east of Fresno that it necessitated permanent signs. CHP also regularly roasts people they catch playing in the snow along the highway on Facebook.
Saw this one yesterday morning on VMSes around Rochester, NY
DON'T DRIVE
DROWSY
YOU SNOOZE
YOU LOSE
NYSDOT has these for this Saint Patrick's Day weekend around the Rochester, NY area.
DON'T PUSH
YOUR LUCK
DON'T DRIVE
DRUNK
BE SMART
NOT LUCKY
HAVE A
DRIVER
HAVE LUCK ON
YOUR SIDE
DON'T DRINK
AND DRIVE
disappointed those aren't limericks
[/sarc]
Quote from: steviep24 on March 15, 2024, 05:14:16 PM
NYSDOT has these for this Saint Patrick's Day weekend around the Rochester, NY area.
DON'T PUSH
YOUR LUCK
DON'T DRIVE
DRUNK
BE SMART
NOT LUCKY
HAVE A
DRIVER
HAVE LUCK ON
YOUR SIDE
DON'T DRINK
AND DRIVE
Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2024, 06:09:50 PM
disappointed those aren't limericks
[/sarc]
Wait two more days. Although I am curious as to how limericks ever got associated with Limerick, Ireland.
^^^
THERE ONCE WAS A DRIVER
FROM NANTUCKETT...
Good job IDiOT...First saw this as a fb post
Posted today along the Chicagoland Expressways...and per travelmidwest.com still posted
"LEFT LANE DRIVERS
IF NOT PASSING
YOUR FAILING"
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Surely someone at IDOT could have consulted a Grammar School English Teacher first!
*UPDATE* Looks like someone at IDOT got that grammar lesson: The VMS message on the Chicagoland Expressways now features "YOU'RE" not "YOUR"
"LEFT LANE DRIVERS
IF NOT PASSING
YOU'RE FAILING"
VMS boards are new to Birmingham, going to take a while to gets the specs right...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53656748372_580f05eeca_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pKsRVf)
^ Maybe that's a clever subtle message. Motorcycles are hard to see, just like this font size.