Your Opinion: MoDOT contributes to driver distractions

Dear Editor:

There was a recent article in the News Tribune telling how our Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) was going to use their 250 electronic billboards around the state to flash messages to motorists. The messages were to read "Unbuckled? Seriously" or "One Text or Call Could Wreck It All, It can Wait." I have even seen the electronic billboards say "Keep Your Eyes On The Road." Of course, these all end with that "MoDOT Cares" line.

It seems hypocritical that you expect people to look away from the road to read these signs when you want them to pay attention to the road. If we want people to keep their eyes on the road, MoDOT should not put common knowledge information on their signs. These signs were intended to be used to announce road conditions, road closings, detours, emergencies and Amber Alerts.

When these signs are used to post messages that distract drivers for no reason, the signs make road conditions more dangerous; similar to taking your eyes off the road to use a cell phone. It also has the effect of making drivers tune out these signs which could cause them to miss important information. If "MoDOT Cares" they should discontinue using their signs to distract drivers for reasons other than providing necessary information.

No offense to people that have erected roadside memorials to loved ones but, these also distract motorists. MoDOT allows the free erection of these roadside memorials. Yet, under David's Law, MoDOT charges people to buy signs memorializing victims killed in a drunken driving accident.

Then they use the law (227.220 RSMo) to prohibit other signs being erected on the right of way. They even publish information that cites this law as prohibiting erection of political signs on the right-of-way. Their brochure states how installation and maintenance of political signs is unsafe and that they can be dangerous distractions to motorists as well as being an obstacle to roadside maintenance operations.

Let us not forget the wasteful and distracting MoDOT mascot, Barrel Bob, which they erect themselves in construction areas. There seems to be a lot of double standards and hypocrisy within MoDOT with regard to signage on the right-of-way. MoDOT needs to set a better example and be consistent in its attempts to reduce driver distractions.