The view from the Idea Center

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. At least it can be. But it’s also the most confusing time of the year, particularly with these midweek holidays. What day is it? What am I supposed to do? Should we start eating and drinking again? (Yes, I’ve seen the meme.)

Other than intense preparation followed by intense clean up, there’s another concern this time of year. Statistically, holiday weekends are an especially dangerous time to drive. Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 12 people were killed in car crashes Tuesday and Wednesday alone. Compare that to the 11 people who died on the road last year between Dec. 21 to 25.

Maybe you’ve noticed creative highway signs from the Ohio Department of Transportation designed to get your attention. Whether it’s a take on a famous line from “A Christmas Story," an encouragement to give Santa the left lane or any other play on words, it’s hard not to see some of them and chuckle.

“It might seem flip but we have found that tying these messages to pop culture references make people remember them," said ODOT director Jack Marchbanks.

It’s an old advertising adage now used by the state for safety purposes, like a catchy jingle or a unique phrase you’ve committed to memory. If you notice and read the signs, they’re doing their job. A survey conducted by the Federal Highway Administration found that more than half of all respondents said messages like these caused them to change their driving. Are you among them?

Stay safe and thanks for reading and listening,
Glenn Forbes

Need to KnOH

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Your ideas

Yesterday we asked what you think needs to change at the West Side Market and you didn't hold back with your strong opinions on the historic market's management. "So all these planned improvements are coming when the occupancy is at a major low point?" wrote Jim Hauer on Facebook. "...The city is running this place into the ground and vendors are leaving in droves. Just feel horrible seeing this all go to hell since the city took it over."

And Matthew Chasney wrote that in recent years, it's become less of a place to shop and more of a destination, to the market's detriment. "When I lived in Ohio City and Tremont in the aughts, I did most of my grocery shopping at the market. As it became more of a destination I had to limit my shopping to Monday and Wednesday which was not always conducive to school, work, and family schedules. I deeply resent that a place for poor people to get decent, affordable food became a tourist destination. As far as I’m concerned we ought to put barricades on the freeway exits on weekends."

Today we're wondering if the Ohio Department of Transportation's creative signage is giving you a laugh and reminding you to stay safe on the roads this holiday season. Have you noticed a particularly eye-catching highway sign (and did you slow down)? Call us at  (216) 916-6476, comment on  our Facebook page or join the conversation in Public Square. We'll feature some of your thoughts and comments here in Noon(ish) and on Morning Edition.