The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is encouraging holiday drivers to take it slow, and its using creative messaging to get its point across.
“Visiting In-Laws? Slow Down. Get There Late.” an electronic sign on a Virginia highway says.
The sign is real, unlike a VDOT sign from 2012 that was reportedly hacked and flashed the message “Zombies Ahead.”
VADOT acknowledged that the messaging belonged to the department on its Twitter account.
This one was TOO good not to share. 👏👏 @jnboothby caught a photo of one of our current electronic message boards! 😎 pic.twitter.com/MppU47H3kS
— VDOT (@VaDOT) December 23, 2021
In a Christmas-themed tweet referencing Santa’s reindeer, VDOT warned drivers not to drive while impaired.
“If you’re Blitzen, ask Rudolph to drive. Remember- always call a sober driver after a night out,” the tweet said.
If you’re Blitzen, ask Rudolph to drive. Remember- always call a sober driver after a night out. #BuzzedDriving is #DrunkDriving. pic.twitter.com/czDBfFXdx0
— VDOT (@VaDOT) December 23, 2021
Local VDOTs appear to be having fun with their messaging during the Christmas season, too.
“If you drink, call a Buddy for a sober ride home. Don’t even think about elfin’ driving because [I love you],” the Fredericksburg DOT said, referencing the perennial Christmas movie favorite “Elf,” with Will Ferrell.
If you drink, call a Buddy for a sober ride home.
Don't even think about elfin' driving because ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/ihj5Ovzzhd— VDOT Fredericksburg (@VaDOTFRED) December 23, 2021
“Ho-ho-hold your calls, texts, snaps, selfies, stories, reels, DMs, PMs, Tik Toks and Instagram until you reach your destination,” Fredericksburg DOT said in a Dec. 22 tweet.
Ho-ho-hold your calls, texts, snaps, selfies, stories, reels, DMs, PMs, Tik Toks and Instagram until you reach your destination.
"Claus I said so!" – Madea #leavethephonealone pic.twitter.com/k1QVgpivgg
— VDOT Fredericksburg (@VaDOTFRED) December 22, 2021
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 109 million Americans are expected to travel during the holidays. Almost 1.5 million Virginians reportedly traveled during the Thanksgiving holiday.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a contributor at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Virginia Department of Transportation Sign” by Justin Boothby.
