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Humorous Maine highway signs send vital safety messages to motorists

"I think it's hilarious,” said one motorist.

AUGUSTA, Maine (WTHR) - The busy summer travel season is underway and it’s safe to say that visitors to Maine will find some humor along the road.

Someone at the state’s Department of Transportation has a sense of humor, and important safety messages are being conveyed with a not-so-typical tone.

"I think it's hilarious,” said one motorist.

The first sign motorists noticed popped up at Christmastime and targeted those of us with a heavy foot.

“Santa sees you when you’re speeding,” read the sign.

Sports entered the message topics the next month. Patriots-crazy New Englanders probably enjoyed “87 is Gronk’s number, not the speed limit.”

"I think they're effective,” another motorist said.

A Valentines-themed sentiment graced the signs in February.

“I think we click. Love, your seat belt.

"We think people are sophisticated enough to have a sense of humor while still conveying a safety message," said Maine DOT spokesman Ted Talbot.

"We don't think you always have to wag a finger at someone to get a message across."

The messages got even more witty. And edgier.

“Not a bee? Don’t drive buzzed.

And the memorable one that may be most timely in this age of increasingly-distracted driving, “Get your head out of your apps.”

"If they're talking about our messages, they're also talking about safety. and that's really our goal here." Talbott said.

The popularity of the signage has even spawned a contest on social media. More than 2,000 people submitted suggestions in a highway sign-naming contest. Some of the winning entries are on display this holiday weekend.

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