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.

Occasionally traffic will ease up a bit after that merge, but on Friday the congestion remained and we plodded along.  I wasn’t too surprised, as anything can cause traffic to slow down around here (e.g., a parked car on the side of the road, a new sign, rain, sun, clouds).  This day, however, the additional slowdown was caused by our beloved VDOT.  On one of the electronic overhead signs, usually reserved for useless and out-dated traffic information, they had a flashing message alerting us that we were under an Ozone warning, and encouraging us to reduce traffic by carpooling.  As soon as I passed under the sign, traffic sped up and cleared out all the way to my exit.

VDOT claims to have “numerous initiatives to preserve the environment while keeping Virginia moving.”  And yet they caused tens-of-thousands of cars to idle on the highway for 30 minutes longer than usual because of a pointless sign.  How is that helping the environment or keeping traffic moving?  It seems to me it’s doing quite the opposite.  Nice work, VDOT.

Sure, gas is more expensive than it used to be, but $22.60 per gallon for regular and $246 per gallon for premium?! The decimal points in their prices have moved from position to position with each passing price change, though never in the correct place. It was amusing at first, but after a couple months, I’m now beginning to wonder.