New York Governor Kathy Hochul's tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton using highway variable message signs is facing questions regarding potential violations of federal road safety guidelines. The signs, intended to honor Parton following her death at age 80, displayed messages such as "Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, don't speed" and "I will always love safe driving."
These messages, which appeared on state highways on Thursday and Friday, reportedly conflict with guidelines issued by the Biden administration in December 2023. The Federal Highway Administration's rules stipulate that road signs must be "simple, direct, legible and clear." Furthermore, the guidelines discourage the use of pop-culture references that could be "obscure" or require "greater time to process," as these may distract drivers.
Officials have indicated that while the signs may not be strictly illegal, they could contravene the federal recommendations. Jay Beeber, chief government affairs and policy officer for the National Motorists Association, commented that such guidance, while sometimes considered a "suggestion," plays a crucial role in maintaining road safety. "The speeding message, it’s clever… it references Dolly Parton, who everybody loved. But does it do anything? No, it’s not helping us," Beeber stated, suggesting these types of messages can increase cognitive load for drivers.
A spokesperson for Governor Hochul, Alexia Nizhny, defended the signs, asserting that the governor does not believe they pose any safety issues. "While honoring the legacy of Dolly Parton, the variable message signs now being displayed along state highways also remind motorists that road safety isn’t just 9-to-5," Nizhny said. "We urge drivers to stay alert and drive responsibly at all hours."
The New York State Department of Transportation had stated when introducing the signs that they were meant to honor Parton's legacy with "safety messages inspired by Dolly Parton’s unforgettable music." The department added, "Her songs are timeless. Her voice is unmistakable. Her legacy will live forever."
Tributes to Dolly Parton have been widespread following her death. In Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee has proposed renaming Nashville International Airport in her honor, a move that Parton's team has reportedly expressed openness to. The proposal aims to further cement the star's legacy in her home state.