New York Governor Kathy Hochul's tribute to the late country music legend Dolly Parton, displayed on highway signs across the state, has drawn attention for potentially conflicting with federal road safety guidelines. The signs featured messages inspired by Parton's song lyrics, such as 'Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, don't speed' and 'I will always love safe driving,' appearing on electronic billboards following Parton's death at age 80.
According to reports, these messages may contravene guidelines introduced by the Biden administration in December 2023. The Federal Highway Administration's rules stipulate that highway signs should be 'simple, direct, legible and clear,' and include only essential information. The guidelines also caution against pop-culture references that could be 'obscure' or require excessive time for drivers to process.
Officials indicated that while the tribute signs might not be strictly illegal, they could potentially violate the spirit of the federal guidance. Jay Beeber, chief government affairs and policy officer for the National Motorists Association, noted that these rules, while often considered suggestions, are crucial for maintaining road safety. He explained that such messages could increase cognitive load and be distracting for drivers, stating, 'The speeding message, it’s clever… it references Dolly Parton, who everybody loved. But does it do anything? No, it’s not helping us.'
A spokesperson for Governor Hochul, Alexia Nizhny, defended the initiative, asserting that the governor does not believe the signs would pose any safety issues. Nizhny stated that the signs were intended 'to remind motorists that road safety isn’t just 9-to-5' and urged drivers to remain alert and drive responsibly.
The New York State Department of Transportation had initially explained the signs as a way to honor Parton's legacy with 'safety messages inspired by Dolly Parton’s unforgettable music,' describing her songs as timeless and her legacy as one that would continue to inspire.
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 gesture Parton's team has reportedly welcomed. The proposal to rename the airport aims to further cement the star's legacy in her home state.