Friday Funny: Illinois Highway Signs Get Cheeky

Can a little levity save us from reckless and distracted drivers?

1 minute read

June 29, 2018, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Highway Signs

Can you make it pop? | Ken Lund / Flickr

Heidi Stevens reports that Illinois highway signs have developed a sense of humor.

On Mother's Day, the signs on Interstate 90 (also known as the Kennedy Expressway) in Chicago had this to say: "Mom says late’s OK. Dead is not. Obey speed limits."

During the series in May when the Cubs faced off with the White Sox (also known as the Crosstown Classic), the same signs read: "Hey Chicago whaddya say? Did u buckle up today?"

There was even a pun on the words Han Solo when the movie Solo opened.

Stevens followed up with the Illinois Department of Transportation for an explanation, and heard about the state's increasing traffic fatalities. The signs are designed to compete for attention in a crowded environment while also improving traffic safety. The article includes more details on the program, along with more examples of humorous messages.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 in Chicago Tribune

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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