Monday, November 29, 2010

FHA / 3M Road Sign Fail

In an economic climate where everyone is hurting including our local municipalities, the Federal Highway Administration is forcing ALL local governemnts - no matter how tiny they are - to put up new road signs. Why? Because a study has decided ALL CAPS is too hard to read and that Title Case letters is preferable!

We've all had friends -usually new to the Internet - decide all caps are fine when it's viewed as shouting. I agree, title case is easier to read but the cost to replace all those signs will run in the billions!


The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices published by the FHA also calls for the size of the letters to increase from four to six inches on roads with speed limits higher than 25 mph. Additionally by 2018 all signs must have reflective lettering.

But the really sneaky part - one of the studies was funded by 3M - who makes the reflective lettering! 3M - who sends so many of our jobs overseas, funded a study that benefits them!

FHA - FAIL; 3M FAIL FAIL FAIL!


Let's all buy generic tape this holiday season!