Humorous twist on a "nanny" CMS message

[roadman]

http://www.universalhub.com/2014/hey-ya-masshole-state-has-message-you

For those who don't speak Bostonian, the message is reminding drivers to signal when changing lanes or turning.

[Pete from Boston]

During the morning rush on 93 inbound where this was taken, you can't use your blinker or people will know you're trying to move over (and therefore do all they can to not let you in).  The element of surprise is critical!

[bob7374]

Here's the Boston Globe's take on the VMS message. Doesn't sound like they were very amused:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/05/09/massdot-reminder-drive-safe-not-safe-intended/T8Bi7G8xIKip1LI6O3xJVO/story.html

[PHLBOS]

LOL.  That VMS message reminds me of an old bumper sticker I saw many years ago, "Ayuh!  I'm from New Hampsha!" 

[Pete from Boston]

Here's the Boston Globe's take on the VMS message. Doesn't sound like they were very amused:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/05/09/massdot-reminder-drive-safe-not-safe-intended/T8Bi7G8xIKip1LI6O3xJVO/story.html

Why isn't Mr. Saffir complaining about distracting drivers with "Dig Safe -- Call 811 Before You Dig" or "Go Sox" messages that take eyes off the road for no road-related benefit?

[jeffandnicole]

Here's the Boston Globe's take on the VMS message. Doesn't sound like they were very amused:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/05/09/massdot-reminder-drive-safe-not-safe-intended/T8Bi7G8xIKip1LI6O3xJVO/story.html

I'm not surprised.  While VMS messages can have some local flavor, such as nicknames of roads, typing the way one sounds isn't the correct way to display messages.

What if the road's flooded?  Will they write "Wadder on road"?

[PurdueBill]

I'd say the VMS message worked...a boring standard-spelling message wouldn't have gotten all the discussion and media attention that "use ya blinkah" has.

[Pete from Boston]

I'd say the VMS message worked...a boring standard-spelling message wouldn't have gotten all the discussion and media attention that "use ya blinkah" has.

If that's the standard, sure.  But people still won't signal, because screw you, as the local sentiment goes.

[roadman]

I'd say the VMS message worked...a boring standard-spelling message wouldn't have gotten all the discussion and media attention that "use ya blinkah" has.

If that's the standard, sure.  But people still won't signal, because screw you, as the local sentiment goes.

It's basic military strategy - don't reveal your intentions to the enemy.

[roadman]

One thing I find interesting here (and this wasn't mentioned in either the Boston.com or AP articles) is that the message was not only displayed on CMS boards in the immediate Boston area, but was posted on virtually every MassDOT CMS in the entire state.

To quote Bart Simpson "Ay Caramba!"

[SSOWorld]

At least they didn't post a body count (right Illinois? )

[roadman]

At least they didn't post a body count (right Illinois? )

I can see it now.

Use Yah Blinka / Don't be Numbah 4,213

[Zeffy]

I can see it now.

Use Yah Blinka / Don't be Numbah 4,213

Every time I see that word, this is all I think of:



Of course, you have to be from my generation to appreciate this.  (or... before all the cartoons got really shitty?)

[sammi]

I can see it now.

Use Yah Blinka / Don't be Numbah 4,213

No, that would be Numbuh. (Some scenes specifically spell it out that way.)

[Zeffy]

No, that would be Numbuh. (Some scenes specifically spell it out that way.)

It's the addition of the 'h' that does it for me.   

One thing I find interesting here (and this wasn't mentioned in either the Boston.com or AP articles) is that the message was not only displayed on CMS boards in the immediate Boston area, but was posted on virtually every MassDOT CMS in the entire state.

I thought Boston was a great thing to be associated to in Massachusetts.    Not a smart move by MassDOT.

[PHLBOS]

I was up there this past weekend (I flew from Philly to Logan via JetBlue) and I saw that message on just about every VMS I saw along the Pike (between Allston & Auburn) as well as along MA 1A approaching Logan Airport.

[bob7374]

I was up there this past weekend (I flew from Philly to Logan via JetBlue) and I saw that message on just about every VMS I saw along the Pike (between Allston & Auburn) as well as along MA 1A approaching Logan Airport.

It was replaced on Monday with a more standard seat belt law 'Click It or Ticket' message.

[roadman]

I was up there this past weekend (I flew from Philly to Logan via JetBlue) and I saw that message on just about every VMS I saw along the Pike (between Allston & Auburn) as well as along MA 1A approaching Logan Airport.

It was replaced on Monday with a more standard seat belt law 'Click It or Ticket' message.

Saw that same message on some boards along I-93 north of Boston earlier tonight.  Coming southbound, they had the two left lanes closed between Exits 41 and 39 - milling pavement for eventual resurfacing.  What was interesting that, with the exception of one of the portable travel time boards, all of the CMS panels within the work zone were giving the 'ROADWORK EXITS 41 TO 39  LEFT TWO LANES CLOSED' message (usually, a lane closure message like that will appear on the last two boards prior to the work zone, then the other boards within the zone are blank).

[Pete from Boston]

I was up there this past weekend (I flew from Philly to Logan via JetBlue) and I saw that message on just about every VMS I saw along the Pike (between Allston & Auburn) as well as along MA 1A approaching Logan Airport.

On the Southeast Expressway northbound Monday night, I had the pleasure of three instances of this message spanning my field of view at one time.