Always-on traffic signs have lost impact

If you drive a substantial amount like I do, I'm sure you drive under the very nice, probably expensive, LED signs planted on all the major highways in the state by the Department of Transportation.

In the past, I have gained very useful information, such as weather warnings and reminders to stay safe around the holidays with a designated driver. I've noticed this last year, however, these signs are on every day.

And here's my rhetorical question I pose for you: Do we really need a daily death count? With a semi morbid message lit up every day followed by a chic driving tip? For me anyway, the signs have begun to blend into the background. Now I actively search out the Nesper sign for quips and puns, but remember when the Department of Transportation signs used to only be on when there was something important we needed to pay attention to and take note of?

Now I find myself ignoring them. Have these messages changed my driving habits? Not in the least, but I fear for the day that ignoring them causes me to miss an Amber Alert or message stating “Accident Ahead.”

Kat Jackson

Atkins