ADOT’s Safety Message Contest back for its 8th year

PHOENIX – If you’ve driven down the highway and seen a creative traffic safety message on one of the overhead signs and wanted to write one yourself … now is your chance. 

For the eighth year, the Arizona Department of Transportation is inviting the public to submit their engaging and creative traffic safety messages for its popular Safety Message Contest. Submissions are open through July 29 at azdot.gov/SignContest. 

The contest gives Arizonans the opportunity to see their unique safety messages displayed on ADOT’s Dynamic Message Signs across the state, encouraging motorists to make better decisions behind the wheel. 

“Safely connecting people is our top priority,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “This contest is an engaging way to remind everyone about the importance of being alert so everyone can get home safely.” 

After members of the public submit their suggestions, ADOT will review the entries and select at least 10 finalists for the public to vote on. The two messages that get the most votes will be crowned the winners and appear on overhead boards along Arizona’s highways. 

There’s no limit to the number of entries someone can submit. Keep these guidelines in mind when crafting a message: 

• The message must relate to traffic safety.
• Signs accommodate 3 lines, 18 characters per line. 
• #Hashtags, phone numbers and website addresses are not allowed.
• No emojis. 
• The ampersand (&) is your friend!

ADOT displays traffic safety messages as part of a campaign to engage Arizonans about making better decisions behind the wheel. National crash data shows more than 90% of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions, which include drivers choosing to drive impaired, distracted, aggressively or at unsafe speeds.

According to statewide crash data, 1,307 people were killed in crashes on Arizona’s roads in 2023 and many of these deaths were preventable. For example, in 2023 in Arizona, 446 people were killed in speed-related crashes, 332 people died in alcohol-related crashes and 361 people died who were not using a safety device, like a seatbelt or motorcycle helmet. Avoiding these unsafe behaviors makes travel safer for everyone.