‘They make you laugh.’ NJ drivers find humor in holiday message road signs
Some drivers say they're clever and fun, showcasing a bit of New Jersey sarcasm. Others say they're a little hard to ignore.
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Anyone driving around New Jersey lately may have noticed holiday messages posted on signs from the state Department of Transportation.
The signs are meant to grab one’s attention and remind drivers to slow down and stay safe.
Some drivers say they're clever and fun, showcasing a bit of New Jersey sarcasm. Others say they're a little hard to ignore.
"I think they make you laugh, but I think it also gets the message in your head, you know, to be careful, but in a nice way,” says Maria Musante, of Bloomingdale.
Paula Enriquez, of Elizabeth, says she commutes to New York City almost daily. She says she's pretty familiar with the signs.
"I have friends from all over in different states and when they see it, they think it's just hilarious when they come out to see me,” she says.
DOT officials say nine different holiday safety messages will run in rotation on message boards, except when signs are displaying incidents, construction or weather conditions.
Some drivers, however, say they believe the humorous signs are distracting.
"They're a little distracting, because people [are] driving and they look up and they see the sign and maybe they start talking about it,” says Jonathan Benigno, of Woodbridge. “It's not safe."
In 2022, the Federal Highway Administration told New Jersey to stop posting the funny safety messages. But since then, they have been put back up.
State officials say they're following the same guidance as other states when it comes to messaging and will continue to be mindful.
The DOT is also teaming up with New Jersey State Police and Homeland Security to remind drivers to report suspicious activity.
The signs will stay up through Jan. 5.
