Jalopnik: signs

Illinois Mayor Party-Poops On Hilarious Stop Signs

Travis Hudson — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Planners in the Chicago suburb of Oak Lawn had a little fun when putting up stop signs and now that fun is done thanks to a party-pooping mayor. The signs are the standard issue octagons, but included are funny catchphrases and song lyrics that commonly accompany the word "stop." The hijinks include "Stop In The Naaaame of Love" and "Stop Right Pilgrim." The mayor isn't necessarily the bad guy because he is abiding by the Illinois Department of Transportation that says the signs violate the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and failure to remove the signs could cost the city federal funding. Of course, the intention of the signs were to get motorists to actually stop by hoping they would read the signs and let out a chuckle. It's okay, Oak Lawn, just don't... STOP ...believin'... [AP]

Chicago Burb Uses Catch Phrases to Stimulate Stoppage

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:15:37 EDT

Apparently, motorists blowing off stop signs is a problem in Oak Lawn, Illinois. A big enough problem, that is, to spur a course of action suggesting there may be some drinking going on at council meetings. The Chicago suburb — hometown to members of both Disturbed and REO Speedwagon — has added second stop signs under the regular ones at 50 intersections. The second signs include lighthearted addenda, like "WHOAAA" and "... and smell the roses." It's part of a campaign to get distracted drivers to notice that big, red octagon on top, which, if we remember correctly, means either "dammit, now I'm even more late for work" or "roll through slowly and hope for the best." No word yet on how well it works, but it's further proof the entire world should be on Ritalin. (Photo: AP) [Fox]