According to a report from the Associated Press, officials at the U.S. Federal Highway Administration have said overhead electronic signs with obscure meanings, references to pop culture or those intended to be funny will be banned in 2026 because they can be misunderstood or distracting to drivers.

But for those in Minnesota who have enjoyed witty safety messages from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), fear not: humor is not leaving the highway. “MnDOT is aware of the new federal guidelines, and we do not anticipate they will change the way MnDOT shares creative highway safety messages with the public that helps improve safety on our Minnesota roadways,” MnDOT said in a statement. “We believe these messages are an important part of improving the culture of traffic safety in Minnesota.”

And if you’re wondering who the people are behind those creative messages, there are two sources: one source is a group of people working with MnDOT’s Toward Zero Deaths program who help to determine the creative messages each week. The second source? All of us! Each Monday, MnDOT uses the agency’s electronic message boards along state highways and interstates to share safety messages with travelers — known as “Message Monday” — and members of the public are encouraged to submit ideas for consideration by MnDOT for its electronic signage. 

Let’s get some practice on that using music as our guide. There are plenty of song lyrics that can be the basis for a road-safety message on an electronic highway sign. Let’s explore those ideas!

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that contain lyrics that could be part of an attention-getting road-safety message?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
The Cars – Drive
Harpers Bizarre – The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
Beastie Boys – Slow and Low
Oasis – Don't Look Back In Anger
Five Man Electrical Band – Signs
The Doors – Roadhouse Blues
The Wallflowers – One Headlight (bonus)