Are Electronic Message Boards Distracting to Drivers?

Middletown Township Committeeman Tony Fiore says the scrolling, flashing, illuminated messages on electronic display boards popping up around town can potentially be a "massive distraction" to drivers, and the township may need to stop and re-envision its sign ordinance. 

At a government meeting Monday night, Fiore asked the township administrator to work with township attorney and planning department to look into the traffic safety issues as they relate to digital announcement boards. He said he does not oppose them, but he does have concerns about their attention-grabbing graphics. 

"I do believe this governing body, for safety issues, has to look and examine with respect to how often those signs should be able to change," Fiore said. "Also, whether scrolling messages should be allowed to be put on those signs," he said.

Fiore, an insurance professional, said that in his view, the local law should be amended to say the signs should not change more than every 15 minutes, which would allow four messages an hour.

"This way you could get four messages on your marquee, but you are not scrolling every 7 to 8 seconds -- causing a massive distraction for drivers, and something I think is going to become a huge quality of life issue as these signs become more prevalent."

What do you think of the proposal? Are you distracted by changing LED signs? Is your organization or business having success using them? Tell us in the comments. 

View the video on this story to see examples of electronic signs in Middletown.