ARIZONA NEWS

ADOT reveals 2 winners for its annual Safety Message Contest

Sep 3, 2023, 8:15 AM

ADOT revealed the writers behind the future slogans...

(Arizona Department of Transportation Photos)

(Arizona Department of Transportation Photos)

PHOENIX – Thousands of drivers in the Valley threw in their hat so they could win the Arizona Department of Transportation’s yearly Safety Message Contest. Two clever slogan writers won the contest and earned their flowers on Friday.

That’s when ADOT revealed which two messages won the most votes out of the 10 finalists.

Out of all the snappy phrases that could potentially go up on signs around Valley freeways, these two will go live:

– Seatbelts always pass the vibe check

– I’m just a sign asking a driver to use turn signals

ADOT revealed the writers behind the future slogans

ASU business professor Elise Riker came up with the first slogan. “I hope the message makes people chuckle and happy that they are wearing a seatbelt,” she said in a statement. “You pass the vibe check!”

Mesa-based software engineer Gina Finkelstein took inspiration from the 1999 movie “Notting Hill” for her slogan. It’s a spoof on the famous line, “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”

“Using turn signals before you turn makes you a total star, just like Julia Roberts,” she said. “Only bigger and better!”

ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said it was exciting to rifle through the 3,700 entries – and to see the public’s enthusiasm once they could vote for their favorites.

“The purpose of the contest is to kick-start conversations about making better decisions behind the wheel, so everyone can reach their destination safely,” she said.

Riker and Finkelstein typed their safety message into ADOT’s Dynamic Message Sign Systems on Friday. This weekend is the first time their signs go live on overhead message boards across the state.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

23 minutes ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

1 hour ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

9 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

10 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

11 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

ADOT reveals 2 winners for its annual Safety Message Contest