A cheeky road safety message posted on Massachusetts highways lit up social media Friday, as drivers praised the transportation department for a humorous take on the famous New England accent.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) began running the message “Changing lanes?/Use yah blinkah” on electronic highway signs to urge motorists to lawfully switch lanes while out on the roads.
"Use Yah Blinkah" #TrafficSafety message: #ma Police in 2013 issued 4,967 citations for Failure to Signal. pic.twitter.com/KGyisw2XFm
— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) May 9, 2014
The creative spelling is a tribute to the so-called Boston “dialect” that makes New Englanders stand out from their neighbours along the U.S. eastern seaboard.
New England motorists appeared to appreciate the customized safety message, pledging their support over Twitter using the hashtag, #UseYahBlinka, and posting several photos of the road advisory.
The high level of sass on the @MassDOT signs completely made my morning #useyahblinkah
— Joe Gates (@jgates17) May 9, 2014
According to MassDot’s blog, the messages will run throughout Mother’s Day weekend, which tends see heavier traffic on the roads.
“The Friday before Mother’s Day ranked second only to the Friday before Columbus Day with the most toll transactions logged in a single day in 2013 with 698,481 transactions,” MassDot said.
#UseYahBlinkah made the evening news... . But you wouldn't understand until you almost get fatally cut off by a crazy driver here..
— @MrBlu_AllDay (@MrBlu_Allday) May 9, 2014
But with the influx of photos over social media, several tweeters also pointed out that the signs may be unintentionally prompting distracted driving.
New Texting While Driving PSA will revolve around the #UseYahBlinkah signs in Massachusetts today. #Inspiration
— Tom Layman (@Tom_Layman) May 9, 2014
This tweeter had the right idea:
Anyone else see the #useyahblinkah digital signs this morning!? I would have liked to have snapped a pic, but #safetyfirst! HAPPY FRIDAY!
— Rhiana L. Huckins (@RhianaReports) May 9, 2014