Massachusetts Highway Signs Combine Humor, Safety

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced the winners of a contest to come up with humorous yet valuable safety messages for electronic highway message boards.

The contest was inspired by a message posted on highways in May that encouraged drivers to “Use Yah Blinkah” – or turn signal – when changing lanes.

The winners announced Thursday were “Make yah Ma proud, wear yah seatbelt,” to encourage belt use; “Keep Calm and Drive On,” to prevent road rage; and “Put down the phone! Your LOLs and OMGs can wait,” to fight distracted driving.

The winners get gift cards from gas stations and restaurants.

State Highway Administrator Frank DePaola says changing routine messages can bring new attention to safety messages that may be overlooked.