Safety Message Contest

Winners of ADOT’s 2024 Safety Message Contest revealed

Winners of ADOT’s 2024 Safety Message Contest revealed

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Winners of ADOT’s 2024 Safety Message Contest revealed

Winners of ADOT’s 2024 Safety Message Contest revealed

August 30, 2024

Messages encourage motorists to drive with care, put the phone down

PHOENIX – The votes have been tallied and the public has picked the winners of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Safety Message Contest!

More than 3,200 votes were cast by the public on 10 finalists. The two winning traffic safety messages are:

DRIVE WITH CARE
LIFE HAS NO SPARE

WATCH YOUR SPEED
NOT YOUR
SOCIAL FEED

“It’s encouraging to see thousands of Arizonans take part in our Safety Message Contest year after year. It shows that they care about safe driving habits like not speeding, avoiding distractions and wearing seatbelts,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “We hope this contest helps start conversations about how all drivers can do their part to make travel safer for everyone.”

During the first phase of the traffic safety campaign contest, members of the public submitted more than 2,500 entries. Those messages were narrowed down to 10 finalists and shared with the public so that they could vote and determine the winners.

The two people who submitted the winning messages were invited to ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center to type their messages into the Dynamic Message Sign system and see them go live via highway cameras. Both messages will be displayed on overhead message boards during Labor Day weekend. 

Dori Brock, who lives in Casa Grande, said that “drive with care, life has no spare” was a saying her mom would tell her growing up, especially when she started driving. She said she hoped drivers would think about its meaning. 

“When the message goes live, I’m hoping my mom will be looking down from heaven and be thankful that her saying will be seen by so very many people. Also, that it will be saving lives on our busy freeways,” Brock said. 

David Dixon, who lives in Ahwatukee, submitted the other winning message, “watch your speed, not your social feed.” He said he bounced different phrases off his wife until she liked one he came up with.

“Hopefully, the message gives drivers a chuckle, but more importantly makes drivers focus on safe driving habits that get us all home safe,” Dixon said.

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.

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

August 14, 2024

Public can vote on their favorite messages through Aug. 20

PHOENIX – Well done, Arizona!

Arizonans submitted more than 2,500 entries to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual Safety Message Contest. Entries from that pool have been narrowed down to 10 finalists — and now it’s up to the public to select the winners. 

Through Tuesday, Aug. 20, Arizonans can view and vote on their favorite safety messages at azdot.gov/SignContest. The two messages that receive the most votes will be crowned the winners and displayed on ADOT’s overhead message signs statewide as part of a safety campaign to influence driver behavior.

“Thousands of Arizonans submitted thoughtful and engaging messages, and showed that they support safe driving practices like not speeding and not texting and driving,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “We hope drivers in Arizona continue to have conversations about safe driving behaviors so everyone can make it safely to their destination.”

This is the eighth year that ADOT has held its Safety Message Contest.  

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.

PODCAST: Your safety message can be in lights!

PODCAST: Your safety message can be in lights!

PODCAST: Your safety message can be in lights!

PODCAST: Your safety message can be in lights!

By Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications
July 24, 2024
Safety Message: Seatbelts always pass the vibe check

Listen to the episode

Have a flair for words? A heart for safety? Then we have a contest that's perfect for you -- and a perfect podcast episode as well. 

The latest installment of On the Road With ADOT has Public Information Officer Kelsey Mo discussing what makes for a strong safety message and why ADOT holds its annual Safety Message Contest for the traveling public. That winning message in the graphic above? It came from someone just like you. 

Please spend a few minutes listening to Kelsey visit with Doug Nintzel, our podcast host, and you'll get the information you need to succeed.

You can subscribe to episodes of On the Road with ADOT through Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You also can find episodes at azdot.gov/Podcast and featured in ADOT Blog posts.

2023’s Safety Message Contest: A look back

2023’s Safety Message Contest: A look back

2023’s Safety Message Contest: A look back

2023’s Safety Message Contest: A look back

By John LaBarbera / ADOT Communications
September 11, 2023
Two highway signs displaying this year's winning messages. "Seatbelts Always Pass The Vibe Check" is on top and "I'm just a sign, asking a driver to use turn signals" is on the bottom.

Year Seven of ADOT's Safety Message Contest is in the books!

The challenge kicked off on July 19 with an appeal for engaging traffic safety messages that would be displayed on overhead message boards on Arizona’s highways. And once again, the residents of the Grand Canyon State came through with more than 3,000 entries to 2023's contest. 

Folks from all over the state submitted their best safety concepts. Some even had ideas overflowing and presented us with a handful of message ideas.

Those thousands of entries were carefully examined and through thoughtful examination were whittled down to 10 finalists.

From wearing your seatbelt and not speeding to merging and designating a driver, those 10 finalists ran the gamut of driver safety protocol. 

From August 9-15, thousands of votes poured in for the 10 finalists. Social media users were making their voices heard in comment sections and advocating for their choice of safety messages.

And on Friday, Sept. 1, the two winners were revealed!

“Seatbelts / Always Pass The / Vibe Check” was the top vote-getter, submitted by Elise Riker of Chandler.

The message with the second-most votes was, “I’m Just a Sign / Asking a Driver to / Use Turn Signals” which references the 1999 film “Notting Hill" and was submitted by Gina Finkelstein of Mesa.

Elise and Gina were invited to the ADOT Traffic Operations Center and input their winning messages into the system, watching them go live on Dynamic Message Signs. The winning messages were displayed on overhead message boards across the state over Labor Day Weekend.

Does this get you thinking about safety messages of your own? Hit us up on social media and let us know!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Arizona DOT (@arizona_dot)

Winners of ADOT’s Safety Message Contest revealed

Winners of ADOT’s Safety Message Contest revealed

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Winners of ADOT’s Safety Message Contest revealed

Winners of ADOT’s Safety Message Contest revealed

September 1, 2023

Traffic safety messages focus on buckling up, using turn signals

PHOENIX – The votes are in and the winners of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Safety Message Contest have been selected! 

Thousands of votes were cast by the public last month for 10 message finalists. The two winning traffic safety messages are:

 

SEATBELTS

ALWAYS PASS

THE VIBE CHECK

 

I’M JUST A SIGN

ASKING A DRIVER TO

USE TURN SIGNALS

 

“Seeing thousands of Arizonans participate in our Safety Message Contest, from creating their own messages to voting for other safety messages, is exciting and a positive for all of us,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “The purpose of the contest is to kick-start conversations about making better decisions behind the wheel, so everyone can reach their destination safely.”

During the first phase of the contest, 3,700 entries were submitted. Those entries were whittled down to 10 finalists, and a public vote last month determined the winners. Today, authors of the two winning messages were invited to ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center in Phoenix to type their traffic safety message into the Dynamic Message Sign system and see them go live via highway cameras. Both winning messages will appear on overhead message boards statewide through the weekend.

Elise Riker, a Chandler resident, is a business professor at Arizona State University and submitted one of the winning traffic safety messages.

“I hope the message makes people chuckle and happy that they are wearing a seatbelt: you pass the vibe check!,” she said.

Gina Finkelstein, a software support engineer from Mesa, was inspired by the 1999 film, “Notting Hill” when she created her winning traffic safety message.

“Using turn signals before you turn makes you a total star,” she said, “just like Julia Roberts in ‘Notting Hill,’ only bigger and better!”

ADOT displays unconventional safety messages on overhead signs as part of an effort to change driver behavior and encourage motorists to make better decisions while driving. According to national statistics, driver behavior, like choosing to speed, driving distracted, impaired or reckless, plays a role in more than 90% of vehicle crashes.

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

August 11, 2023

Vote for your favorite at azdot.gov/SignContest

PHOENIX – Way to go, Arizona!

Arizonans submitted more than 3,700 entries to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual Safety Message Contest. Those entries have been narrowed to 10 finalists and now the responsibility turns back to the public, who will vote for their favorites and send two traffic safety messages to ADOT’s recognizable overhead message boards.

Through Aug. 15, anyone can view and vote for contest finalists at azdot.gov/SignContest. The two messages that are the top vote-getters will be displayed on Dynamic Message Signs statewide.

“Thousands of Arizonans believe that making better decisions while driving is important for safety, and they’re  making their voices heard,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “We hope these conversations continue because when we all choose to make better decisions behind the wheel, everyone can reach their destinations safely.”

This is the seventh year ADOT has held its annual Safety Message Contest. 

ADOT displays unconventional traffic safety messages, which often are related to current events and pop culture, as part of an effort to encourage drivers to change their actions behind the wheel. 

According to national crash data, more than 90 percent of vehicle collisions are caused by driver decisions, including choosing to speed, drive recklessly, distracted or impaired. In Arizona, vehicle collisions killed 1,294 people in 2022.

ADOT's Safety Message Contest is back for the 7th time

ADOT's Safety Message Contest is back for the 7th time

ADOT's Safety Message Contest is back for the 7th time

ADOT's Safety Message Contest is back for the 7th time

By John LaBarbera / ADOT Communications
July 21, 2023
Graphic with a gradient from yellow to blue top to bottom featuring a sign that says "Submit your message."

It’s that time again, Arizona!

ADOT’s Safety Message Contest is back for its seventh year and entries are open through July 25.

Have you ever wanted to see your traffic message on a Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) above the highway? Here’s your chance.

First, some ground rules:

  • Messages must relate to traffic safety
  • Three lines per message
  • 18 characters per line
  • No hashtags
  • No emojis
  • No phone numbers or websites

Got it? Great. Now, how will you enter this year’s contest? Will it be a traffic pun? Will it be a rhyme? Will it be a warning about driving distracted? It’s up to you!

Need some inspiration?

Here are winning messages from past contests:

2017

SINGLE IN HOV?

GET A REAL DATE

NOT A COURT DATE

 

THAT’S THE

TEMPERATURE - NOT

THE SPEED LIMIT


 

2018

CAMPING IN

THE LEFT LANE

ATTRACTS BEARS

 

BUCKLE UP

BUTTERCUP

 

ROAD RAGE

GIVES YOU

WRINKLES


 

2019

DRIVE LIKE THE

PERSON YOUR DOG

THINKS YOU ARE

 

DRINK & DRIVE?

MEET POLICE

& SEE NEW BARS


 

2020

SIGNAL AND

READY TO MINGLE

 

RED FISH

BLUE FISH

SPEEDING’S FOOLISH


 

2021

MISS YOUR EXIT?

IT’S OKAY

WE MADE MORE AHEAD

 

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY

I WANNA RIDE IT

WITH A SEATBELT ON


 

2022

DON’T HURRY

BE HAPPY

 

SIGNAL TO THE LEFT

SIGNAL TO THE RIGHT

MERGE REAL SMOOTH

 

There you have it! Hopefully that got your creative juices flowing. Submit your entry through Tuesday, July 25. And who knows? You could see your message in lights!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Arizona DOT (@arizona_dot)

 

 

ADOT’s Safety Message Contest returns

ADOT’s Safety Message Contest returns

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT’s Safety Message Contest returns

ADOT’s Safety Message Contest returns

July 19, 2023

Public can submit entries through July 25

PHOENIX – Have you ever traveled past one of the unconventional traffic safety messages that the Arizona Department of Transportation displays on overhead message boards and thought, “Hey, I can do that!”?

Well, your time to shine is here! ADOT’s eagerly anticipated Safety Message Contest returns for its seventh year, and we’re inviting Arizonans to submit their most creative and engaging traffic safety messages. You can submit entries through Tuesday, July 25, at azdot.gov/SignContest.

The contest gives Arizonans the opportunity to see their clever safety messages displayed on Dynamic Message Signs statewide, encouraging drivers to make better decisions behind the wheel.

“Safety is a priority at ADOT; nothing is more important,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “We want these messages to spark conversations about safe driving. Real change happens when drivers prioritize safety and choose not to drive recklessly, distracted or impaired.” 

When creating a message – there’s no limit to the number of entries you can submit – follow these guidelines:

  • The message must relate to traffic safety.

  • Signs accommodate three lines, 18 characters per line.

  • #Hashtags, phone numbers and website addresses are not allowed.

  • No emojis.

ADOT will select at least 10 finalists, then the public will decide the winners. The two messages that receive the most votes will appear on overhead message boards along Arizona’s highways.

ADOT displays quirky traffic safety messages as part of an effort to encourage drivers to change their actions behind the wheel. We all need a reminder about safe driving because, according to national crash data, more than 90 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions, such as drivers choosing to speed and to drive aggressively, distracted or impaired. According to crash data, 1,180 people were killed in traffic collisions on Arizona’s roads in 2021.

ADOT reveals winners of Safety Message Contest

ADOT reveals winners of Safety Message Contest

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT reveals winners of Safety Message Contest

ADOT reveals winners of Safety Message Contest

July 29, 2022

PHOENIX – The votes are in and the winners of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s sixth Safety Message Contest have been chosen by the public! 

More than 3,000 votes were cast by the public for the 12 message finalists. The two winning traffic safety messages are:

DON’T HURRY

BE HAPPY

SIGNAL 2 THE LEFT

SIGNAL 2 THE RIGHT

MERGE REAL SMOOTH

“We saw thousands of contest entries and votes and it’s great to see Arizonans continuing to be engaged in conversations about traffic safety,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “That’s the purpose of the contest: increasing awareness about how we all can make better decisions when we’re behind the wheel. Think of others driving around you that want to get safely home to their loved ones.”

Authors of the winning messages were invited to ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center to type their winning traffic safety message into the Dynamic Message Sign system and see them go live via traffic cameras. Both winning messages will appear on overhead message boards statewide through the weekend.

Kristen Brown, a stay-at-home mom from Mesa, was inspired by Bobby McFerrin’s 1988 hit “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” She says her message is a simple one.

“Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you’re going, turn on some good music, and enjoy the ride,” Brown said.

Lisa Hayes, a preschool teacher from Gilbert, found motivation for her message from another popular song, “Cha Cha Slide.”

“I look at the signs and they make me laugh or smile,” Hayes said. “I just want people to find the humor in the sign, something to smile about. I hope my sign helps people let others know their intentions while merging.”

More than 3,100 message contest entries were submitted to ADOT in June. Those entries were whittled down to 12 finalists and a public vote determined the winning messages. 

ADOT displays unconventional safety messages on overhead signs as part of an effort to change driver behavior and encourage motorists to make better decisions while driving. According to national statistics, driver behavior, like choosing to speed, driving distracted, impaired or reckless, plays a role in more than 90% of vehicle crashes.

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

Finalists announced in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

July 12, 2022

PHOENIX – Great job, Arizona!

The Arizona Department of Transportation received more than 3,100 entries to its annual Safety Message Contest. Now, those entries have been narrowed down to 12 finalists and it’s up to the public to choose the winners.

Today through July 18, Arizonans can view the finalists and vote for their favorite traffic safety message at azdot.gov/signcontest. The two messages that receive the most votes will be displayed on Dynamic Message Signs statewide.

“The overwhelming response we’ve seen in the contest entries shows that Arizona motorists want to see fellow drivers put down their cell phones when driving,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Our state’s drivers support displaying courtesy, using their turn signals, and making safer decisions behind the wheel. We all want everyone to get safely home.”

This is the sixth year ADOT has held its annual Safety Message Contest. 

ADOT displays unconventional traffic safety messages, which often are related to current events and pop culture, as part of an effort to encourage drivers to change their actions behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 90 percent of vehicle collisions are caused by driver decisions, including choosing to speed, drive recklessly, distracted or impaired.  

In 2020 in Arizona, the most recent year with available statewide crash data, 1,057 people were killed in vehicle collisions.