Arizonans have plenty to say for highway signs

Like “Snowbirds R crazy / so buckle up / for your safety.”

“Traffic weaving / is deceiving.”

And “Don’t be a stinker / use your blinker.”

In fact, they submitted more than 7,000 ideas they want posted on those electronic signs operated by the state Department of Transportation that adorn urban freeways.

And the list of suggestions, obtained by Capitol Media Services, shows everything from anger at those who aren’t paying attention to a sense of humor designed to get people to be more courteous.

A few even rhyme.

Those freeway signs are designed to warn motorists of hazardous conditions, road closures and driving times. But at other times, ADOT posts messages to gently remind motorists to be nice. So rather than relying solely on their own staff ideas, the agency asked Arizonans for their suggestions.

There were some constraints. For example, the signs only accommodate three lines, with no more than 18 characters per line, spaces included. And profanity is off-limits.

Within those constraints, Arizonans found a lot they could say.

Some took ideas from the current political headlines, like a proposal from Mike Shaldjian saying, “Not fake news: / driving safely / saves lives.”

Others were personal, like the proposal by Susie Lopez: “I do want to / live forever.”

Carol Sanders had a message for motorcyclists, “No helmet? / Become an / organ donor!”

If there was one theme that showed up repeatedly it was the frustration that other motorists were talking on cellphones or texting as they sped down the road.

“Pull your head out / of your apps. Don’t / text and drive” wrote Jody Hild, who admitted her idea was not original but something she saw in Iowa.

ADOT staffers will review all the submissions and pick what they think are the 15 best and post them on the agency’s website, where people can vote. The winning message will appear on signs for two days in April.