Comments
OxygenSherpa t1_iwpskb9 wrote
I still see hocos pocus on 80. I like, "nice new car, did it come with blinkers?"
Clitoris_Thief t1_iwpteu2 wrote
I didn’t know the fun police was a federal institution.
Bucks_Deleware t1_iwpvg1m wrote
Yeah leave it to those working for the department of transportation to ruin it. I couldn't think of a more mundane position in all of engineering.
bananaspartying t1_iwpvh6r wrote
I liked “gobble gobble lay off the throttle”
captainlink t1_iwpvnpn wrote
Why can’t they let us just be ourselves 😭
LeftHandedAnt t1_iwpvrm0 wrote
Always has been
StewofPuppies t1_iwpwalk wrote
Pffft feds are soft.
skankingmike t1_iwpx86b wrote
Fascism! /s
I_DRINK_ANARCHY t1_iwpzdo6 wrote
Stupid feds, just let Jersey be Jersey!
Destroya923 t1_iwpzg5u wrote
Ugh come on these people have no fun. They’re just funny signs for crying out loud, they aren’t hurting anyone
boostednyg t1_iwpzmyz wrote
"nice car Did it come with a turn signal"
Brilliant_Frosting52 t1_iwpzqeo wrote
I enjoyed the signs lol
ColdYellowGatorade t1_iwq1m22 wrote
My favorite is "We'll be blunt - dont drive high". Loved it
Rainbowrobb t1_iwq1o77 wrote
I see the same sign daily and I appreciate the humanity it adds
arthuriurilli t1_iwq1t3s wrote
Rude. Those signs were great.
HereTheyBePandas t1_iwq25h2 wrote
Damn, these messages are the first time I paid attention to safety warning signs on the road. Now the fun police got involved and I can ignore them again.
parastro t1_iwq2i9k wrote
Dang I didn’t see that one. Like a 2012-era Tumblr text post.
pelftruearrow t1_iwq2n1p wrote
This is New Jersey. If they're surprised that we've put up signs like this then they haven't been paying attention.
sugarintheboots t1_iwq2nq0 wrote
Too sassy? Buncha Marys.
Weinermobile24 t1_iwq3er1 wrote
This is why Jersey can't have nice things. It was always the feds
BlanquitaNJ1 t1_iwq3fcz wrote
They have nothing else to worry about?
wozzles t1_iwq3sku wrote
Yea I saw that one and started gobbling like a brain damaged turkey lol
Mr_Matt_K t1_iwq4ygp wrote
As much as it's stupid for the Feds to only finger NJ (since as noted in the article Delaware, Pennsylvania, California, and Utah also use cutesy messages on their variable message signs), ideally the VMSes should be used to provide useful information for the traveler. If the signs are always going to display a safety message, whether a generic one or cutesy one, people will begin to ignore them after seeing the same "Buckle up" messages over a over. Then when there is a useful reason for the sign to be used (e.g. Amber/silver alert, incident ahead), they will be ignored.
I think that is what the FHWA is going after in this case. They are very stringent about enforcing MUTCD guidelines, at least for federally funded road projects or state agencies. A few years ago, Andrew Cuomo spearheaded those stupid "Taste NY" and the like signs but had to be modified because the signs directed travelers to a URL to download an app. Local agencies are better insulated from the feds, which is why illegal blue lines within the center lines still persist on county and local roads. (note the irony of the location of this blue line)
ErrorAcquired t1_iwq5cd0 wrote
I particularly like the "buzzed driving is drunk driving"
I like when they change it up, makes you think about it more
ErrorAcquired t1_iwq5dv1 wrote
I agree
notbizmarkie t1_iwq5tf5 wrote
So glad they put an end to these messages, the biggest threat to safety on our highways today /s 🙄🙄🙄 I’m sure there was nothing else for them to focus on as it relates to highway safety
bibdrums t1_iwq6flw wrote
Lets all head down to the Central Bureaucracy and straighten those people out.
DaCheatHSR t1_iwq6xgi wrote
I really don't like using variable message signs for this kind of thing. Other states do it too.
Either leave the sign off or keep the postings up about travel times, hazardous conditions etc... that's it. If it's not informative it's not worth seeing when driving, particularly on our logjammed NJ roads.
Key_Juice878 t1_iwq7x9o wrote
They messed up when they used “thunder road” and “hocus pocus” isn’t thunder road a Disney ride? Disney is such a little bitch I’m sure they had something to do with it ☠️☠️
raisethesong t1_iwq8i1s wrote
Cowards
_TommySalami t1_iwq8ns1 wrote
I hope they tell them to get fucked.
ItsJustLittleOldMe t1_iwqab3s wrote
Aww. That's too bad. Those were memorable and I figured effective.
Telnet_to_the_Mind t1_iwqar3s wrote
This sucks, I loved these, the humor and the pop culture references were hilarious.
WillingnessOk3081 t1_iwqb2yy wrote
finger?
EngineSpecialist259 t1_iwqbh5b wrote
Late_Again68 t1_iwqblh9 wrote
AZ has these kinds of messages on their signs. They even have competitions to choose a slogan and they're usually hilarious.
WTF, NJ?
kc2syk t1_iwqbp7y wrote
mama_duck17 t1_iwqbq85 wrote
It did for me! I’m not 100% on my seatbelt wearing. (Foolish I know!) but every time I see the “it’s just clicks…” sign I double check my seatbelt is on.
Meem-Thief t1_iwqcf6r wrote
I thought it said gobble gobble lay on the throttle
Trythenewpage t1_iwqdbdm wrote
I could see them being alright in rural stretches of nothing where the biggest threat is boredom. Australia has fatigue zones on some long stretches of nothing that show trivia to keep people engaged.
But NJ doesn't really have that problem. NJ drivers are far more likely to experience attention fatigue from overstimulation than understimulation.
And regardless, they shouldn't be using the same displays for critical information and PSA jokes.
electric_kite t1_iwqdjfq wrote
I saw a “gobble gobble, let off the throttle” sign on 195 last weekend. I was disappointed, because gobble and throttle don’t rhyme, but I appreciate what they’re going for.
DaCheatHSR t1_iwqdp5c wrote
I can agree on all of that.
electric_kite t1_iwqdrd6 wrote
Hocus pocus drive with focus will live in my soul forever.
OkBid1535 t1_iwqe7kd wrote
That one was great! On 37 we’ve been having a lot of drag racing starting at midnight so they recently added “slow down, this isn’t thunder road” to all signs over 37. I got quite a chuckle
OkBid1535 t1_iwqe910 wrote
I missed that one!!
OkBid1535 t1_iwqecqd wrote
This is the way
terrapinhantson t1_iwqerhf wrote
🤌🤌🤌
unsalted-butter t1_iwqew78 wrote
Literally 1984
Kirsten624 t1_iwqfbj7 wrote
NO ONE UNDERSTANDS ME (US)
downvotefodder t1_iwqg1a5 wrote
I was hoping for a sign saying “Hey! slow the fuck down “
Familiar-Buffalo-490 t1_iwqgbg1 wrote
No, Thunder Road is a Springsteen song. You’re thinking of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which would have been an appropriate comparison as well.
saintnick524 t1_iwqgkhh wrote
This is a travesty. I love those signs.
hardy_and_free t1_iwqh7zy wrote
You're Now Entering A No Fun Zone.
therealteggy t1_iwqi2e7 wrote
ATF checking in
scooterbike1968 t1_iwqi6ca wrote
Is this a States’ rights issue? The Interstates the Feds may have some say, but why the Parkway or other Jersey State roads?
RuffCrumblebunch t1_iwqk25h wrote
They had such an effect that NJDOT had to tweet to tell people to stop taking pictures of them while driving.
Literally why we're the best state in the union.
dman928 t1_iwql7hf wrote
What a bummer
Slow down that Hummer
elmwoodblues t1_iwqmbr4 wrote
Feds to Trenton: Too many people are noticing the signs we want them to notice!
[deleted] t1_iwqmnyb wrote
[deleted]
BalkiBartokomous123 t1_iwqmxjs wrote
I can't remember if it was 55 South or GSP South but it was "Slow down this isn't Thunder Road"
justasque t1_iwqn2ka wrote
I liked that the messages changed frequently - they were fresh enough and clever enough that I read them, so if there was an amber alert etc I would be in the habit of looking. But I take in information well via text/reading. I can see it might be different for folks who don’t (because of different learning styles).
finalremix t1_iwqn5sd wrote
But if the messages are switched up (which they are in my area), especially with new reminders or wording, they'll keep people paying attention when shit hits the fan. I just tune out the "drive drunk, get arrested" shit. And i'm sure others are going to go back to ignoring those signs again.
88dj t1_iwqnjvz wrote
It can be a state issue, if you don’t want to get any federal roadway funding.
Panduz t1_iwqnmmp wrote
I loved this one it made me laugh!
SpacemanSpiff99 t1_iwqnoul wrote
Lop fuck the feds those were fun to see.
msyodajenkins1 t1_iwqptoc wrote
Loved the “Wear your seatbelt, new year new you” in Hackensack around New Years last year. Maybe it was use your blinker… idk the later half is what cracked me up.
invaderjif t1_iwqqqmm wrote
I saw that one that said "nice car, did it come with turn signals".
I could hear in my head the followup "would be a shame if something untowards happened to it...hypothetically "
OfficerGenious t1_iwqr2ja wrote
That's a shame I LOVE these things!
InspiredBlue t1_iwqr41y wrote
Yes! I see that one on the way to work!
footeface t1_iwqs685 wrote
LOL sure you don’t write the signs??
ImRedditorRick t1_iwqsvl7 wrote
I hated the "well be blunt, don't drive high" and "hocus pocus, drive with focus", but i can at least appreciate the attempt to not fucking be boring as shit. It just wasn't for me, in sure others love them.
warrensussex t1_iwqukue wrote
People were paying so much attention they were taking pictures of the signs while driving. To think people stopped using their phone, speeding, driving drunk/high because of a creative sign is naive.
mcgeggy t1_iwquzdm wrote
Found the bureaucrat…
warrensussex t1_iwqv37v wrote
Found the naive fool...
daedalus_was_right t1_iwqvv6q wrote
As the other person said, the federal government can exercise a lot of soft power over the states by threatening to withhold federal funding for a number of things like grants for highway upkeep, general infrastructure grants, etc...
mohawk1guy t1_iwqwuft wrote
[Nobody liked that]
Key_Juice878 t1_iwqy57j wrote
Ahh.. I see. Thank you for this knowledge!
MillennialsAre40 t1_iwqzd1i wrote
Is the parkway a federal highway? What jurisdiction do they have? I get 195 and them, but I thought the Parkway and AC Expressway were wholly the state's
Anonymous1985388 t1_iwr1irk wrote
Those creative signs are the only reason I actually read those signs when I’m driving past; they grab my eye.
bleachmartini t1_iwr2qg7 wrote
Don't you have a manger to ask for, or maybe someone in a service job to yell at
Responsible_Ad_654 t1_iwr3u7u wrote
Seriously? These are the only times I’ve ever played any attention to those signs (unless it told me about traffic up head)! They are the most effective signs I’ve ever seen.
Frez0 t1_iwr57hj wrote
Not sure I’d say naive. Maybe it has something to do with giving people a chuckle so they relax for a second and they calm down. At times when commuting you get so caught up in the getting to/from work that the break might make someone stop and think about their driving. These signs have made my commute a bit less crappy.
psychgirl88 t1_iwr5c87 wrote
What? No! I was enjoying these on my commute!
Mina_Harker22 t1_iwr5qpr wrote
I love them
kanshakudama t1_iwr6f7a wrote
The man is keeping NJ down
Liveslowdieslower t1_iwr6jzl wrote
287 South says "Slow Down This Ain't Thunder Road."
WhichSpirit t1_iwr9f8c wrote
States rights! >:(
karankshah t1_iwrbxuy wrote
Where are all the state’s rights people now?
osflsievol t1_iwrdzw0 wrote
Respect for the relevant reference
Crab-_-Objective t1_iwrefkh wrote
I have never before talked about DOT message boards with people prior to these but have constantly been talking about them with people since they went up.
PurpleSailor t1_iwrgpea wrote
Screw that Federal Highway request, these signs get your attention and work. What's next, they're going to tell us that we can only listen to Bible verses being read over the radio?
Plus:
>number of vehicle crash fatalities statewide this year, as of Wednesday, stood at 618 — 11 more than the 607 reported in all of 2021. The number of fatalities in 2020 was 516.
Yeah you can't compare times where a huge number of people worked from home with normal non pandemic traffic patterns.
FettLivesMatter t1_iwrh6hs wrote
Email FHWA and let them know.
FettLivesMatter t1_iwrhdjh wrote
No Fun in Feds
kt-epps t1_iwrjfjm wrote
They have that on 287 near me
probablybuzzed t1_iwrjrhk wrote
I liked the “hokus pokus drive with focus” one
gggg500 t1_iwrktu7 wrote
There will be no fun allowed. Those in power want us to live dull, bleak lives with no small enjoyments whatsoever.
homeworld t1_iwrlzaf wrote
MUTCD (Manual on uniform traffic control devices)
illkwill t1_iwrn239 wrote
That one cracked me up. I saw it on 195 a couple weeks ago.
ohhyoudidntknow t1_iwrnbd1 wrote
Fuck the feds.
doglywolf t1_iwro7v4 wrote
Bro you can't take this away form is , its so jersey its like not being allowed to pump our own gas . When you go to the other states and sit there a couple minutes before you go out and do it because you forgot or see the people getting out of the cars with confused deer in headlight looks in PA and your like AHHH my fellow Jersian!
​
FYI Yes i know they gas thing is set to end next year !
doglywolf t1_iwroiru wrote
100% sure people considered the intent behind those messages 10x more then would of with standard ones everyone tunes out.
doglywolf t1_iwroqs7 wrote
exactly this!
doglywolf t1_iwrqg3o wrote
Ok the real Jersey thing would be to double down...O you don't like THOSE signs...ehhh.
Wait till you see the next batch then!
​
"Hey Fuck wad im driving here, use a blinker to change lines"
"Body shots and driving = body bag ,"
"Scarface only drinks the carbonated coke when he drives , be like Tony "
"You're moms going to kick your ass when we tell her we caught you driving drunk"
"are you blind....the sign says 65 not 95 , slow the fuck down"
GoldenAlexanders t1_iwru1t1 wrote
The Feds are a bunch of downers; jeez, Feds, butt out.
UnmoistFish t1_iwrxjdf wrote
I enjoyed our out of pocket messages
MapleChimes t1_iwry0zl wrote
Damn! I actually was looking at the signs again cause they were funny.
the_last_carfighter t1_iwrz8vj wrote
Gotta keep those southern states from going bankrupt. They appreciate it tho, you can tell by all the times they laud us for doing so..
by unironically calling us socialist commies and failed state or something, haven't watched fox news or OLN lately to pick up on the current talking points.
bibdrums t1_iwrzu20 wrote
Haha perfect
warrensussex t1_iwrzx1o wrote
I'm sorry you think that a clever saying is going to change someone's mind about using their phone while driving. I don't see what that has to do with me yelling at anyone.
warrensussex t1_iws0edg wrote
I understand the idea and agree they are amusing. I still believe it is naive to think that you are going to convince someone to slow down, put on a seat belt, or stop using their phone while driving. Especially using the phone.
buick916 t1_iws13up wrote
Yess lmao i thought I was going crazy when I’d see those signs
Skycomb t1_iws5egl wrote
Currently on 78.
b4ngl4d3sh t1_iws5u6l wrote
Either that or causing more people to handle their cellphone to grab social media clout points.
Like, some of them caused the issue they were warning against, based on the amount of pictures I've seen on Reddit and Facebook groups.
heptapod OP t1_iws5wsy wrote
Wait, what? They're ending full serve in Jersey? I must've been under a rock.
b4ngl4d3sh t1_iws69qp wrote
Exactly what roadside shit SHOULDN'T do! Scan, don't stare! 101 of safe driving methods.
turbopro25 t1_iws7qtd wrote
If the FHWA really cared about getting the message through then they wouldn’t have a problem with this. Nobody talks about the “buckle up, it’s the law”. The fact people are talking about “edgy” road sign messages, shows people are paying attention.
I applaud this effort personally. It may or may not make a difference overall, but at least they are trying. Shame on you FHWA.
turbopro25 t1_iws7ziu wrote
I live 4 blocks behind WaWa on 37 and Garfield. You can hear them racing all the time. It’s amazing that it still goes on.
Ok_Raisin_8796 t1_iws8l7b wrote
They’re the only signs I notice on the highway lol
mcgeggy t1_iws9vwn wrote
Literally someone above said it did exactly that…
DuncanIdaBro t1_iwsav22 wrote
Haaaa! Dammit I was actually digging them. Made my commute down rt.34 somewhat bearable. I really want to meet the person who pioneered this.
whimsicalsteve t1_iwsbfe1 wrote
Not just buricrats. Clearly there's more than one Karen complaining to them.
CantSeeShit t1_iwsfmbm wrote
Now I'm just imagining a guy in his car just flying at like 100 mph downtown Morristown just loudly gobbling
Society_No_More t1_iwsgjfs wrote
Fuck you FHWA!!!
Meem-Thief t1_iwsh4gw wrote
yeah my bad, was too blurry to read on the second pass
Jess_the_Siren t1_iwshvo4 wrote
I was into "nice car! Does it come with a blinker?"
mrnoodley t1_iwstfea wrote
Hi neighbor!! (Closer to Hooper, but close enough)
turbopro25 t1_iwstw85 wrote
Hi. Always nice to meet someone local. 💪
NewCommonSensei t1_iwsz5l1 wrote
Lmfao this made my day
Every_Level6842 t1_iwszpxq wrote
Lame
OkBid1535 t1_iwt0wuh wrote
I live opposite side of 37 from you, small world!
Yeah you constantly hear them ripping down here. Sounds like Englishtown, it’s wild.
ParticularWar9 t1_iwtagnq wrote
Or maybe just photos taken by a passenger, Karen.
b4ngl4d3sh t1_iwtav1m wrote
Lol, stop. It's cute, but roadside distractions shouldn't be a thing. Roads are already dangerous enough.
First time I've been called a Karen though. Kind of an interesting achievement.
ParticularWar9 t1_iwtbv4h wrote
To some people everything is a roadside distraction. At least the signs provide some focus for the distraction. Would rather DOT focus on taming those incredibly bright headlights we're all being subjected to. Nearly everyone I've spoken to thinks they can't drive at night now because they're being blinded, including younger people.
b4ngl4d3sh t1_iwtcsrr wrote
Now there's something we can FULLY agree on. Those lights are the worst. Non stop high beams.
As far as the signs go, I'll be honest, I'm pretty indifferent to them! I was bored at work, lol.
ParticularWar9 t1_iwtgpmm wrote
I was just joking, too. But yeah, those high beams are ridiculous, esp on two lane roads. Blinding. Read that in Europe laws mandate that when these cars sense another vehicle approaching they must dim to a certain level or mechanically lower the focus of the beam, but the USDOT will not allow this software or the mechanical modifications. There was a discussion on Reddit about this roughly 6 weeks ago.
WhippetRun t1_iwts6sw wrote
"NICE CAR, DO THE BLINKERS WORK?"
On 287
turbopro25 t1_iwufkej wrote
Look at that. All three of us neighbors. 👋
doglywolf t1_iwuy77e wrote
Its not official but there is a bill out that last I read had just enough support. It still under committee review right now .
I think people started rallying against it and they stalled long enough now to have some numbers changes in the assembly so hoping it gets fully shot down next time.
​
My big worry is that since it means less workers and more money for gas station chains they will start lobbying FOR it and push it over the edge. Really really hope it gets shot down but still active as of right now
​
​
heptapod OP t1_iwv87es wrote
I thought the reason why gas was cheaper in New Jersey was because of full-serve gas and it was about the insurance a gas station needs to carry if they are self-serve.
I'd be all for keeping the gas pumpers if they were earning a true living wage rather than a minimalist wage.
doglywolf t1_iwv8z1i wrote
That was one of the original justifications for it among many others yes.
Now they are trying to say it can be up to 15c cheaper a gallon because of cost savings at the gas station. Never seen a more blatant lie form someone clearly lobbying for the gas companies.
You really think gas stations are going to pass on their cost savings at the gas pump and cut into their already small profit . Most station make more on the store then they do at the pump.
They will pass it then use the insurance going up even if it doesnt go up as an excuse to keep it high
blmzd t1_iwps32d wrote
Aw :( I genuinely enjoyed these signs. The Feds are haters. They don’t want us having fun and getting too popular. “Hocus pocus drive with focus” was gold.