WATCH: John Ramos reports on the funny tactic one city is using to get drivers and pedestrians to pay attention.
HAYWARD, Calif. – A Northern California city is using humor to get drivers to slow down and pedestrians to pay attention.
The city of Hayward has placed traffic signs along a downhill boulevard that read “30 – It’s a speed limit, not a suggestion” and “Heads up! Cross the street, then update Facebook.” Another sign warns: “Downhill: Use eyes, brakes, brain.”
The Oakland Tribune reports city workers installed the offbeat traffic signs in January along Hayward Boulevard, which is known for cars zipping down from the hills.
City spokesman and public information officer Frank Holland, who wrote the signs, says the city hopes using humour will get people to do a double-take and be careful on the hill.
“You have to break through into people’s consciousness,” Holland tells KPIX.
A recent survey found speeding was a top concern for residents in the area.
As for the level of comedy in the signs, Holland doesn’t mind being singled out as a bad joke writer.
“I’m the guy that everybody can point at and say, ‘God, those are horrible!’ But you know what? If they say they’re horrible, that’s OK because they’re still talking about the message and hopefully slowing down,” he says.
– with files from Jenny Sung
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