In a recent development, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has decided to reject a recommendation from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) urging them to refrain from using certain messages on highway signs. As reported by KCRG, the FHA released an updated 1,100-page manual outlining the regulation of signs and other traffic control devices.

The agency's guidelines strongly discourage the use of overhead electronic signs with obscure meanings, references to pop culture, or messages intended to be humorous, according to the Associated Press. Instead, the FHA emphasizes the importance of signs being "simple, direct, brief, legible, and clear," especially when conveying crucial information like warning drivers of crashes, adverse weather conditions, and traffic delays. However, seatbelt reminders and warnings concerning speeding or driving while impaired are still permitted.

Despite the FHA's recommendation, the Iowa DOT is adamant that these signs do not pose a safety threat. Willy Sorenson, the special projects manager at the DOT, has been working on these messages for over a decade and asserts that they have never caused even a minor collision. Sorenson explains that the signs are regularly updated with new messages and information throughout the year in order to promote safe driving habits. Importantly, these messages do not take precedence over immediate traffic warnings.

Some of the lighthearted messages seen on Iowa's highway signs include "May the 4th be with you. Text I will not," "Don't be a stinker. Use your blinker," and "Your mom called. Are you buckled?" These humorous messages have a serious purpose—to create memorable reminders of traffic safety.

Previously, there was confusion regarding whether the FHA was attempting to outright ban these types of messages. However, it is clarified that the recommendation is not a mandate but rather an advisory. Consequently, the Iowa DOT will continue displaying these messages for the time being. However, the department remains open to reevaluating their stance in the future, pending further research and information.

The idea of using messages on highway signs to raise awareness about traffic safety originated when the Iowa DOT started displaying the number of traffic deaths. The goal is to engage and remind drivers of the importance of safe driving practices.

As the Iowa DOT rejects the FHA's recommendation, the ongoing discussion surrounding the use of humorous messages and their impact on road safety is likely to continue.