Humorous Highway Signs Aim To Steer Drivers Safely Down The Old Town Road

Drive down any U.S. interstate and there’s a good chance you will see a pun or a funny reference on the next electronic message board you spot. From a report: Such messages have become ubiquitous across the country lately. But besides getting a snicker, what’s behind these roadside bits, and are they making drivers behave any differently? They are known as Dynamic Message Signs, and they usually remind drivers about speed limits or traffic delays. Though the technology has been around for decades, in recent years states across the country have been taking a different tack with their messaging in a bid for more eyeballs. A recent message that was flashing out across Illinois expressways is a perfect example of this. It read, “Got The Munchies? Get Food Delivered. Don’t Drive High!” Since Illinois legalized marijuana this year, transportation officials have been trying to get people to avoid driving stoned, so why not appeal to a stoner’s love for snacking? Elmo Bruggink, an Illinois tourist from the Netherlands, weighed in on the message. His home country is a place that has long been dealing with drivers who smoke weed, but Bruggink said officials haven’t tried humor yet.