Deadline for submissions November 19
information provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation
CHICAGO, Ill. (October 22, 2018) – The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to submit ideas for safety messages to display on the electronic signs located over highways throughout the state.
“Our dynamic message signs are seen by millions of motorists and are one of the best tools we have to reach the public with important information that can save lives,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “This contest is yet another way to drive home the message that driving has life or death consequences. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. We look forward to seeing your ideas.”
Some of the basic rules include:
- Keep it short and simple. Messages are restricted to three lines with 18 characters per line. Spaces and punctuation count as characters.
- Each message must align with one of the six categories: distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, occupant restraint, work zone safety and vulnerable users, such as motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
- One message from each category will be chosen for display by an internal IDOT committee.
The deadline for submissions is November 19. Winners will be announced in early 2019.
Visit idot.illinois.gov/dms-contest to learn more about contest rules and to submit ideas. Visit the Travel Midwest site to see messages currently on display in real time.
The winning messages will be displayed at times throughout the year to help promote traffic safety. Winning entrants also receive a personalized street sign.