Feds slam the brakes on ODOT’s clever safety signs: No more jokes

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – If you’ve driven on Ohio highways, you’ve probably noticed some of these signs with safety warnings.

But now, the Federal Highway Transportation has some new rules about those displays, telling states to get in line with the updated manual.

Matt Bruning, Press Secretary for the Ohio Department of Transportation says, the federal government is asking it to be more mindful of what they post, so that everyone understands.

That includes a recommendation to avoid the use of humor and pop culture references.

“Basically, they’re saying be mindful the messages you’re posting are so narrow that people don’t get it,” said Bruning. “When Taylor Swift was in Cincinatti this summer, we ran “Avoid a Cruel Summer, buckle up.” If you’re a Swifty, you know Cruel Summer is a Swift song, if you’re not, you should still understand the message,” he said.

Bruning tells 19 News, to his knowledge, the unique signs have not caused a crash in the state of Ohio.

The timeline for these changes is about 2 years. In the meantime, ODOT’s committee will still meet quarterly to come up with unique warnings, keeping guidelines in mind.

ODOT still invites the public to weigh in and a part of the process.

Submit your suggestion for an ODOT sign.

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