Arizonans pick winning messages in ADOT safety sign contest

Two Valley residents saw their words light up Arizona’s highways Friday after winning the Arizona Department of Transportation’s 2026 Safety Message Contest.

The winning messages were chosen by public vote:

“MAIN CHARACTERS ALWAYS WEAR SEATBELTS,” which was submitted by Glendale resident Kelsey Turnquist.

“DON’T BE A STATISTIC, DON’T DRIVE BALLISTIC, ” submitted by Ahwatukee resident Michelle Dixon.

More than 3,900 votes were cast on 10 finalists drawn from over 1,700 entries, ADOT said.

🎊 WINNERS REVEALED 🎊

And the winners in ADOT’s 2026 Safety Message Contest are …

🚗MAIN CHARACTERS ALWAYS WEAR SEATBELTS
🚗DON’T BE A STATISTIC, DON’T DRIVE BALLISTIC

MORE: https://t.co/E45B7peWcC pic.twitter.com/bVFHfk3NgU

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) September 4, 2026

Turnquist said she crafted her message to reach younger drivers.

Dixon, a mother, said she hoped the rhyme would make even one driver think twice before a bad decision behind the wheel.

“We want drivers to take these messages seriously and choose to wear their seat belts and drive with care,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said.

The winners visited ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center to input their messages into the Dynamic Message Sign system and watch them go live on highway cameras. Both messages will be displayed on overhead boards through the weekend.

About 90% of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions, speeding, distraction or impairment, according to national crash data, ADOT said.

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