When it comes to controlling lead foot drivers, officials in one Northern California city are hoping a little humor can go a long way.
The city of Hayward recently placed new traffic signs along a downhill boulevard to encourage drivers to reduce their speed. But these aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill road signs. Oh, no.
"Downhill: Use eyes, brakes, brain,” one of the signs of the reads.
"35 - It's a speed limit, not a suggestion,” says another.
One sign even asks users to cross the street before updating their Facebook statuses.
"The idea is for people to do a double take and then realize, 'Oh, they want me to be careful on the hill,'" said city spokesman Frank Holland of the comical road signs. "Standard traffic signs often become white noise. ... We wanted to use humor to get people to take a second look and think."
So far, it seems to be working. Residents admit the slapstick warnings have certainly caught their attention—for now. But make no mistake: city officials say speeding is no laughing matter. In fact, police in Hayward are cracking down on speeders, and violations of those quirky signs will cost you $205 a piece.
Read more about the new road signs here.