RIDOT: Blunt highway signs about dangers of drinking and driving spark conversation

SIGNS WITH STRONGLY worded messages warning drivers about the hazards of driving under the influence have been a common sight along state highways this holiday season. / COURTESY R.I. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
SIGNS WITH STRONGLY worded messages warning drivers about the hazards of driving under the influence have been a common sight along state highways this holiday season. / COURTESY R.I. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PROVIDENCE – Signs with strongly worded messages warning drivers about the hazards of driving under the influence have been a common sight along state highways this holiday season, and are part of the R.I. Department of Transportation’s campaign to save lives.

The current campaign, featuring messages such as “Let’s fill potholes, not graves,” “A DUI? You can’t afford it,” “Wrap your gifts not your car around a tree” and “You drink, you drive = handcuffs!” began in November and will run through Jan. 4.

Lisbeth Pettengill, communications director for the R.I. Department of Transportation, said last week that the signs will reappear during other times during the year, such as St. Patrick’s Day, when there is a danger of drinking and driving.

“Governor [Gina M.] Raimondo and RIDOT Director [Peter] Alviti are committed to keeping every Rhode Islander safe. The highway signs are part of RIDOT’s public awareness efforts to save lives,” Pettengill wrote in an email.

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In 2015, 19 people died in alcohol-related car or motorcycle crashes, she said.

The text of the messages are from a variety of sources, including police departments, Pettengill said, adding they are designed to spark discussion and raise awareness. While she said some people have indicated they do not like the “more blunt” messages, she said they all have managed to prompt conversations about safe driving.

“This public outreach component is an extremely important aspect of the department’s comprehensive, long-term plan to increase highway safety and the messaging is intended to stand out against the background noise,” Pettengill wrote.

The signs are programmed through RIDOT’s Traffic Management Center, so there was no extra cost attached to the campaign, she said.

Twitter users criticized “Let’s fill potholes, not graves.” @RosieWoodsTV asked if anyone else found the message too morbid, while @K_Dons15 referred to it as “RIDOT’s positive message of the day on the electronic highway signs.”

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