ADOT looks for sassy safety messages

Department of Transportation holds contest for witty warnings

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Do you have a clever idea for an unusual traffic safety message? If so, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) wants to hear from you!

ADOT kicked off it's annual safety message contest on Tuesday. The contest gives Arizonans the chance to see their witty warnings displayed on overhead signs all over the state.

“This will be the fourth time we’ve had the contest and each year the response has been tremendous with thousands of entries pouring in,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We love seeing the creativity from so many, but we’re even more thrilled that people are thinking and talking about safe driving when coming up with their contest entries.”

Previous winners often drew on pop culture and current events to encourage drivers to think about their choices behind the wheel. More than 90% of crashes are caused by decisions like speeding, driving impaired, distracted driving, and driving aggressively.

There's no limit to the number of entries you can submit, but there are some guidelines you have to follow:

• The message must relate to traffic safety.
• Signs accommodate 3 lines with 18 characters per line
• Hashtags, phone numbers, and website addresses are not allowed.
• No emojis

You have until March 2 to submit your messages to the ADOT website. ADOT will then choose 12 finalists, and the public will vote on their favorite messages. The top 2 will appear on overhead signs all over the state.