The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) wants to
remind all of us that government is a serious business. Even as the good folks
at the FHWA wrestle with racist roadways, they are cracking down on the use of
humor on electronic “variable message” traffic signs, or VMSs. The signs, used
to convey information about accidents, special events, traffic congestion,
roadwork, etc., have occasionally been used to convey this information in a
funny, clever, pun-laden, or otherwise unique and light-hearted way, perhaps
making travelers smile instead of snarl.
No longer. The FHWA has told officials that these kinds
of messages must cease altogether within two years. The Wall Street Journal
reports: In December, the Federal Highway Administration, an agency
within the U.S. Department of Transportation, issued new guidance on
traffic-safety messages: Signs should avoid language that uses pop-culture
references or humor.
Why? Because the feds say funny signs can distract
drivers.
So, a sign saying, “Reckless Drivers Are Worse Than
Fruitcake” is more dangerous than a sign stating, “Drive Carefully?” Really? Or
is it more memorable and effective?
Ironically, Progressives are the new Puritans. We’re
not going “back to the future,” we are going “forward to the past.”
So, remember, jokes are not a laughing matter-- and
humor isn’t funny!
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