The Florida Department of Transportation brought the jokes this 4th of July.
While driving to popular 4th of July destinations, Florida residents and visitors began noticing the messages appearing on highway I-75 signs. Normally, these large signs are there to inform drivers on which exits are coming up, but yesterday, these signs took on a new role— encouraging safe driving with a comedic twist.
Let’s be real— July 4th is a drinking holiday. Tons of people hit beaches and barbeques with a beer in hand… okay, maybe more like 8 beers. Because of this, there tends to be a spike in accidents related to intoxicated drivers during the holiday weekend.
It seems as though the Florida Department of Transportation recognized this and attempted to grab the public’s attention with flashy, funny signs.
While not uncommon for highway signs to advocate for safe sober driving, Florida loves a good joke! Many snapped pictures and videos of the hilarious, glittering signs, hopping on social media to share their finds.
Let’s take a look at some of the favorites.
One TikTok by the user @.xojayvin posted a slideshow of the signs they found on their trip. The signs featured read:
“You’re not a firework, don’t drive lit”
“Don’t drive star spangled hammered”
The second sign also has an image of an American flag beside it for an extra patriotic touch.
Another TikTok by the user @johnniecab found a new message on I-75. This one says:
“Only sparklers should be lit High = DUI”
Johnny comments on the Department of Transportation’s highway hilarity by stating,
“Florida DOT has the jokes for the 4th of July”
@johnniecab Florida Department of transportation getting ready for the holiday weekend. Hilarious street signs #florida #funnytiktok ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – John (Songs Station) – สุขภาพดีกับเภเบิร์ด
Another hilarious sign was posted to TikTok by the user @twistedasylum. The sign they found states:
“Give your phone independence. Put it down”.
She adds a caption that reads:
“Nah Gen Z is 100% running the highway signs now”.
@twistedasylumx nah Gen Z is 100% running the highway signs now 🤨😂#donttextanddrive #4thofjuly #putitdown #fourthofjuly #staysafe #pov #florida #highway #independenceday #independance #genz ♬ Star Spangled (Bass Boosted) – SNC
That’s one way to practice your American independence.
Having lived in Florida my whole life, I can safely say this isn’t the first batch of highway signs that have caused me to do a double take. During many holidays, the Department of Transportation will update their signs to a puny holiday themed joke, aimed to discourage intoxicated driving and speeding.
One year, signs were changed to “Gobble gobble, go easy on the throttle” for Thanksgiving— another holiday that involves many, many beers.
It appears these signs poking fun of driving under the influence has grabbed the attention of countless drivers. Perhaps, Departments of Transportation in other states should replicate this trend during holiday weekends. The more outrageous these signs are, the more attention you can bring to this issue. It certainly stirs up conversations online and in the car.
Funny reminders like these might just be what will cause drivers to think twice before jumping behind the wheel drunk.
