Daily conversation: What is the worst possible answer?

[I-55]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

States wanted to take credit for funding their 10% so they put their name in the shields at roughly 10% the size of the numbers.

[Dirt Roads]

Heh.  Because back then, nobody ever thought that somebody would ever want to remove the state names from U.S. Route shields.

[kphoger]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

The Interstate shield contains the state name because they aren't federal highways.

* kphoger drops the mic and calmly walks off stage.

[1995hoo]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

The people who planned the system foresaw the founding of Alanland and a world in which the Interstate shield both does and does not contain the state name.

[NE2]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

In the pre-internet days, copyright law gave the states 5 cents every time someone looked at a state name shield.

[kphoger]

In the pre-internet days, copyright law gave the states 5 cents every time someone looked at a state name shield.

One common way to avoid being tracked in that way was to wear a hat made of tinfoil while driving.

[Scott5114]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

States wanted to take credit for funding their 10% so they put their name in the shields at roughly 10% the size of the numbers.

Pssst...that's the actual reason it's there...

[Max Rockatansky]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

To satisfy and enrage people online who probably have too much of their brain output dedicated to highway signage.

[formulanone]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

...the county name was just a little too specific, and the continent's name was too broad.

[xonhulu]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

Schoolchildren could practice spelling state names while traveling.

[MikeTheActuary]

The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

otherwise, neighboring states would steal them for their own use.

[MikeTheActuary]

The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

the state DOT couldn't find any advertisers interested in a branding deal.

[kphoger]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

The Interstate shield contains the state name because inventory stickers weren't a thing yet.

[TheCatalyst31]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

...someone graffitied it on? It sure wasn't there when my DOT put the sign up.

[Henry]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

It is owned and operated by the state.

[Scott5114]

July 30:
The Interstate shield contains the state name because __________.

It is owned and operated by the state.

Then we come up with the worst, least applicable, most inappropriate answer to the question.

[LilianaUwU]

I'm gonna be early tonight, since I'm very sleepy.

7/31/2025: Why is A-20 a boulevard between A-30 and Montréal?

[xonhulu]

7/31/2025: Why is A-20 a boulevard between A-30 and Montréal?

So Montreal can call itself the Breezewood of Canada.

[kphoger]

7/31/2025: Why is A-20 a boulevard between A-30 and Montréal?

Public opinions polls have consistently shown that area residents prefer stop-and-go traffic over free-flowing traffic.  The latter is commonly perceived to be too 'American'.

[1995hoo]

I'm gonna be early tonight, since I'm very sleepy.

7/31/2025: Why is A-20 a boulevard between A-30 and Montréal?

Because roadgeeks take it hard when they drive on that segment. They look at life with such disregard.

[I-55]

I'm gonna be early tonight, since I'm very sleepy.

7/31/2025: Why is A-20 a boulevard between A-30 and Montréal?

Quebec saw the traffic flow (or lack thereof) on the 401 and figured they could flex on Ontario by adding traffic signals and still operate better than the 401.

[webny99]

7/31/2025: Why is A-20 a boulevard between A-30 and Montréal?

So Montreal  Île Perrot can call itself the Breezewood of Canada.

FTFY, but yes.

[kphoger]

7/31/2025: Why is A-20 a boulevard between A-30 and Montréal?

Because boulevard just sounds so... so... so French!