Skeleton Signs Installed To Slow Drivers Down
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The Department of Transportation is trying something new to slow drivers down.
Electronic signs are popping up throughout the city as part of a scare tactic to get drivers to stop speeding.
The digital death displays flash a skeleton whenever a driver exceeds 30 miles-per-hour.
It's all part of the Department of Transportation's "That's Why It's 30" campaign to remind drivers of the city's speed limit.
LISTEN: 1010 WINS' John Montone asks New Yorkers their thoughts on the skeleton sign
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New Yorkers however, remain split about how effective the scare tactic will be.
"They're crazy. The Department of Transportation is going crazy again on us," said Bob, who said he doesn't want to be reminded of his mortality.
One man in Brooklyn agreed.
"You said a skeleton? Crazy. That's a crazy idea," said Fernando, before he sped off down Atlantic Avenue in his pick-up truck.
Some New Yorkers are fans of the efforts.
"Especially around these hours, guys are flying," said Anthony, who gave the program a thumbs up. "It's pretty cool."
When asked if he flies through the streets of New York, he said, "not at all."
"Are you kidding me? I got two kids and a wife so I'll take it easy," he said.
A limo driver said scare tactics work. The former smoker once looked up a saw a skull and crossbones sign with a smoking warning. He quit right then and there.
"I saw a skeleton there and it said it can kill you. It happened to me for a couple months and I finally quit smoking. It's going to be a year now," he said.
On Thursday, mayor Michael Bloomberg announced additional measures to remind drivers to slow down with new billboards and a slow-speed zone pilot program.
The city is planning to introduce a slower, 20 mph speed limit in certain residential areas as part of a pilot program that starts this summer in the Claremont section of the Bronx.
What other scare tactics have you faced? Tell us in our comments section below.
