Funny Highway Signs Have The Potential To Increase Risk Of Truck Accidents In Issaquah

Local officials routinely post warnings on local highways about potentially treacherous traffic conditions or driving behaviors that could put you and other motorists at risk. In an effort to capture your attention, they often resort to using clever puns and little jokes.

While these signs may bring a smile to your face, federal officials warn that they can also increase distracted driving risks. This can be particularly dangerous for truckers. Our Issaquah truck accident attorney explains more about the controversy concerning funny highway signs and how to protect yourself and your passengers.

Federal Officials Put A Stop To Funny Electronic Highway Messages

Electronic highway message boards alert drivers to crashes, road work, or other potentially dangerous road conditions. They also make them more aware of dangerous behavior via warnings about drunk driving, speeding, and other hazards. Using funny messages and puns helps to capture attention. Unfortunately, federal officials now claim they work so well that they create dangerous distractions.

According to a January 2024 AP News report, the Federal Highway Administration recently updated its 1,000-plus page manual that governs traffic signs and signals throughout the U.S. They are now prohibiting funny messages on electronic highway signs. They claim these actually increase distracted driving risks and have given local officials two years to phase them out. Distracted driving is defined as engaging in any activity that results in the following:

• Taking your eyes off the road;
• Taking one or both hands off the steering wheel;
• Taking your mind off the important task of driving.

Protecting Yourself Against Distracted Driving Truck Accidents

Looking away from the road for even a few seconds, such as focusing on what an electronic message board says rather than what is going on directly around you, is dangerous for any motorist, but particularly for truckers. Considering their massive size and bulk, any type of distraction has the potential to be catastrophic for other motorists nearby.

The Washington State Patrol warns that distracted driving is one of the most common causes of fatal accidents in our area. To reduce your risks, take these precautions:

• Put away your cell phone when behind the wheel;
• Be aware that eating, drinking, or adjusting GPS settings are distractions as well and increase accident risks;
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times and maintain your focus on what is going on around you;
• Avoid driving too close in front of or behind a truck, and keep out of truck no-zones, which extend across multiple lanes along each side.

Request A Consultation With Our Issaquah Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents in Issaquah can be catastrophic for drivers in surrounding lanes. Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of crashes. If you or someone you love is injured, get the trusted, local legal representation you need at Injury Law Group NW. Call or contact our Issaquah truck accident attorney online and request a consultation today.

Sources:

apnews.com/article/ban-humorous-messages-electronic-highway-signs-3c7b0d11475d2b255f7edd197af771cc

mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/

wsp.wa.gov/crime/report-something/distracted-driving/