Pennsylvania
What a new federal rule banning funny roadway signs means for Pennsylvania
Have you ever noticed the electronic sign “Don’t Drive Star Spangled Hammered” on the Parkway West and chuckled?
Well, that and other similar quirky messages are going away in a couple years. They will be banned in 2026.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has given states two years to implement all of the changes outlined in its new manual released last month, including rules regarding signage and other traffic control devices, as reported by the Associated Press.
Funny signs will be banned on highways and freeways across the country in 2026. They could be misunderstood or distracting to drivers, according to AP.
The agency said signs should be “simple, direct, brief, legible and clear” and only be used for important information such as warning drivers of crashes ahead, adverse weather conditions and traffic delays, the AP reported.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reviewing the new guidance, according to Jennifer Kuntch, deputy communications director at PennDOT.
PennDOT began utilizing creative messaging in 2022 in addition to its more traditional scheduled safety messages, Kutch said.
Examples of creative messaging used by PennDOT include:
- “No matter how far, no matter whose car, buckle up.”
- “Check yourself before you wreck yourself. Drive sober or plan a ride.”
- “Just buzzed, nice try, That’s a DUI.”
- “Only Rudolph should drive lit. Plan a sober ride.”
- “The power to slow down is in your right foot.”
The Pennsylvania Turnpike, on the other hand, has not used humor in its messaging.
Crispin Havener, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Western Regional Office, said safety is a top priority, and the commission uses Dynamic Message Signs to warn drivers of crashes, weather, delays and more.
Megan Swift is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 724-850-1204 or mswift@triblive.com.
The funeral arrangements for Corporal Timothy O’Connor, who was shot and killed in Chester County on Sunday, have been announced.
The viewing for O’Connor will be Tuesday, March 17, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church located at 338 Manor Avenue in Downingtown, Pa., according to the Parkesburg Police Department.
The funeral will be held at the same location on Wednesday, March 18, at 11 a.m., police said.
O’Connor was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Honey Brook on Sunday night. The suspect, Jesse Nathan Elks, took his own life after shooting O’Connor.
O’Connor was a 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police who leaves behind a wife, Casey, and a 6-year-old daughter, according to police.
Pennsylvania State Police Pennsylvania State Police
Crews battle blaze on salvage barge in Delaware bay
Crews battled a blaze on a salvage barge in the Delaware Bay Tuesday morning. No injuries were reported. 3/10/26
Delaware, Pennsylvania, and federal agencies have been responding to a barge fire in the Delaware Bay.
The barge, which is carrying salvage metal, is being moved to shallow water so it can be secured, allowing on-scene responders to extinguish the fire and complete salvage operations, according to a March 10 statement from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.
No injuries have been reported as of 1:15 p.m.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is on scene to perform air monitoring, the statement said.
Responding agencies include the Wilmington Fire Department, Good Will, Leipsic Volunteer, Bowers and South Bowers fire companies. Also there are Delaware State Police, DNREC, New Castle County Office of Emergency Management, Kent County Department of Public Safety, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay.
The Philadelphia Fire Department was enroute.
This is a developing story. Check back with delawareonline.com for more information.
Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.
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