"Caution: Drive...Distractedly?"

That was the heading on a letter to the editor of The Washington Post, last Sunday, on page C5. The writer, Meda Ling, of Reston, Virginia states,

"An electronic sign on the outer loop of the Beltway approaching a construction zone in Tysons Corner: 'I-495 Advisory. Dial 511 for Info'

"What? So we should be pulling out cellphones while driving into a construction zone to listen to a traffic advisory message? Whose brilliant idea is this?"

Gridlocksmith just has to put in his two cents worth on this.

While one should doubt that the sign was meant to encourage the action described, it certainly does nothing to indicate otherwise.

(Meda - 1, Va. SHA - 0)

Perhaps the SHA could frame the intent more clearly with the additional words, "Before you go, be in the know." Hopefully, if one calls "511" (before departure) the info will consist of suggestions for better times, alternate routes, and the like.

Naturally, those drivers with the wisdom to have a passenger along to handle phone calls could get the latest info, without committing distracted driving.

It might be a good idea for drivers to call SHA to praise their efforts to keep us informed, while suggesting that they be more aware that, since we are driving, we may take their signs too literally.


The gridlocksmith store has different departments... one is just for bumper stickers...




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Until next time, be safe and kind to each other.... and check out the latest adventure of my visually impaired friend, William Smith.