The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has opened its annual Safety Message Contest, inviting the public to submit ideas for traffic safety messages. The contest, now in its ninth year, allows Arizonans to contribute messages that may be displayed on ADOT’s dynamic message signs across the state.
Submissions are being accepted through September 22 at azdot.gov/SignContest. There is no limit to the number of entries a person can submit. After the submission period ends, ADOT will select at least ten finalists and invite the public to vote for their favorites. The two messages receiving the most votes will be posted on overhead boards along Arizona highways.
“Safety is ADOT’s top priority and it’s our mission to safely connect Arizonans to where they want to go,” said ADOT Director Jennifer Toth. “The Safety Message Contest is an engaging way to help remind all of us to make better decisions behind the wheel and I look forward to seeing what creative messages the public comes up with.”
To participate, entrants must follow specific guidelines: each message must focus on traffic safety, fit within three lines with a maximum of 18 characters per line, and cannot include hashtags, phone numbers, emojis or website addresses. Ampersands are allowed.
ADOT uses these safety messages as part of its ongoing efforts to encourage safe driving behaviors among residents. National data indicates that about 90% of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions such as speeding or driving while distracted or impaired.
Statewide crash statistics show that in 2024, there were 1,228 fatalities on Arizona roads. Of these deaths, many were preventable; alcohol-related crashes accounted for 347 fatalities and speeding contributed to incidents resulting in 417 deaths. These figures highlight the importance of responsible driving choices in reducing roadway fatalities.
