VDOT not to blame

Last summer I wrote a rather direct post about Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) displaying Ozone Alert messages on traffic signs along the highway.  As a result of those messages, traffic is invariably congested (to put it mildly) as people try to figure out how to read and drive at the same time.

I recently learned, however, that VDOT is not to blame. As it turns out, they are legally required to broadcast the Ozone Alert messages. (They do, however, choose to broadcast Amber Alerts, which I fully appreciate.)  I was also pleased to know that VDOT is aware of the traffic issues caused by messages displayed on the traffic signs (“everyone … slows down substantially to read it”).

I’m assuming it’s a state law, but I haven’t yet been able to track it down. (Ir)regardless, I owe VDOT an apology. My frustrations were misplaced, and I will no longer curse VDOT for their sign usage as I’m stuck in traffic on Ozone Alert days.