Memphis Seeks Creative Minds for Holiday Travel Safety
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The holiday season is right around the corner, and with it comes the hustle and bustle of travel. This year, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is turning to the community for help in spreading the message of safe driving. They’ve kicked off the Make Travel Bright Safety Sign Contest, inviting residents to get their creative juices flowing and come up with the best travel safety message to display on state highways.
Your Words Matter!
So, what’s the deal? TDOT is looking for entries that focus on important driving topics such as seatbelt use, impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving. They’re asking folks to keep their messages clean and friendly, as the goal is to save lives and encourage safe driving habits. “This contest is a fun way to engage citizens and assist TDOT in achieving our goal of saving lives by getting the attention of drivers,” stated Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley.
What’s at Stake?
The winning message will light up the Dynamic Message Signs along Tennessee interstates, catching the eyes of countless drivers. There are currently 217 of these signs scattered across Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and some rural areas, designed to alert motorists about traffic incidents, lane blockages, hazardous road conditions, and even Amber Alerts.
Interestingly, TDOT has a history of being a trendsetter in highway safety. Back in 2012, they made waves by becoming the first Department of Transportation in the nation to display roadway fatality numbers on overhead signs. Along with the messages about fatalities, they also share safety reminders during off-peak travel times. Each sign can accommodate three lines of 21 characters (spaces included), so every word counts!
Get Involved!
Ready to throw your hat in the ring? It’s easy! Just hop on over to the contest page where you’ll find all the details and categories. You’ll be able to type your message and submit it directly online. The contest runs until December 11, so don’t wait too long! After that, TDOT will open up voting to the public on their Facebook page starting December 16. This means you can rally your friends and family to support your clever creation!
Guidelines to Keep in Mind
Now, it’s important to note that the recent updates from the Federal Highway Administration discourage the use of electronic signs that feature obscure meanings or humorous references borrowed from pop culture. While TDOT hasn’t specified how this will impact judging, it’s certainly a factor to consider when crafting your submission.
As we head into what many consider the most wonderful time of the year, let’s work together to ensure that everyone reaches their holiday destinations safely. Remember to check those message boards daily for important travel info—hopefully featuring some fantastic community-inspired messages!
Let’s Get Creative!
So, whether you’re a wordsmith, a pun master, or just someone who cares about keeping our roads safe, this is your chance to shine. Let’s make this holiday season brighter through the power of words and creativity. Grab your notepad, brainstorm some catchy phrases, and enter the contest today!
