For the Lolz is a humor blog. It's a sarcastic take on the world around us. Please read the posts in this section with a light heart and eager smile.
Much like guardian angels, traffic signs keep us safe from our most dangerous enemy — below average drivers. The stop sign, easily the most renowned traffic sign, was first invented in 1915. However, over the past 98 years the stop sign hasn't changed once. The same is true for many of the other traffic signs as well. The roads and cars have changed, yet the traffic signs remain the same. I propose that it's time we bring these signs into the 21st century with a couple changes.
Let's begin by making some improvements to the stop sign. Currently, the stop sign does not convey enough information about what actions the driver really needs to take. For example, at most stop signs there is no point in coming to a complete stop since you can tell that there is no one else coming before you've fully stopped. For this situation, I propose the "Stop?" sign (as pictured below).
This sign is for intersections where a stop sign is most likely unnecessary. By adding the question mark to the sign, the driver is made aware that they might not need to stop. Thus, saving them time and precious fuel.
One other problem with the stop sign is that it's so negative. The bright red background combined with its purpose of keeping us from our destination for an extra few seconds make the stop sign one of the least enjoyed traffic signs. That's why I suggest that we make the stop sign more likeable by giving it an inspirational message, such as the one below.
Another sign that could use a makeover is the "Wrong Way" sign. The "Wrong Way" sign has one glaring flaw in that if you can't read English, then there is no possible way that you would know that you are going the wrong way. This is a major problem especially in cities like Detroit, Mich., where experts estimate that 47 percent of the population is functionally illiterate and are often caught going the wrong way. My proposal to update the wrong way sign (below) would allow people who can't read to still figure out that something is wrong and that they need to take some time to figure out which way they should be going.
Besides the obvious improvements to the signs I mentioned above, I also think that we could use some new signs to help drivers out along the road. For instance, one of the major problems with motor vehicle safety is people that multitask while they drive. Driving is hard enough just having to deal with really old people on the road. When people smoke, eat, put lipstick on, pet their dogs, talk on the phone, practice karate, text and dance while driving they are putting all of us in danger. That's why I propose the "Stop being a person" sign (below). People do weird stuff and weird stuff causes accidents. Only by reminding individuals to stop being a person, can we properly protect ourselves from ourselves.
