Photo courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Transportation
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is asking Mississippians to put their skills of snark to good use and encourage safe driving by entering their Safety Message Contest. Messages can be submitted online to MDOT through July 19, 2019.
“MDOT has gotten so much positive feedback that we want the public to join this safety campaign,” said MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath. “An engaged public is a safe public, so we want to give everyone the opportunity to come up with their own fun safety messages.”
McGrath added that their quirky traffic safety messages, which are often related to current events and pop culture, are part of an effort to encourage drivers to change their actions behind the wheel. Over 90 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions, such as speeding, driving aggressively, distracted or impaired.
When creating messages, there’s no limit to the number people can submit, however, there are a few guidelines to remember.
- The message must relate to traffic safety.
- Signs accommodate three lines and 21 characters per line, including spaces.
- #Hashtags, phone numbers, and website addresses are not allowed.
- No emoji ☹.
After entries have been submitted, MDOT will select the best of the best to be displayed on overhead signs above Mississippi highways. Winners will also be announced on MDOT social media.
