Sign of the Times

3/21/2015

Yesterday I was driving home from Connecticut when I noticed a small blue sign on the side of the highway:

IT CAN WAIT
TEXT AREA
5 MILES AHEAD

That was certainly something new! I wanted to see the text area, but, unfortunately, my exit came up before I reached the five mile point. While it was most likely just a pull-off space, similar to a scenic view on some more picturesque roads, I let my mind wander and envisioned something entirely different. Perhaps this space could be a small park with benches and a refreshment area. Maybe it could serve as a welcome respite for weary travelers to recharge. And maybe such a space could be used for other activities as well. Maybe someday we will see signs like:

NEED TO RELAX?
READING AREA
5 MILES AHEAD
(this area could also have a board to post book recommendations)

WANT TO DISCUSS THE PROS AND CONS OF CC?
DISCUSSION SPACE
5 MILES AHEAD
(discussion topics updated regularly)

NEED A NAP?
REST AREA
5 MILES AHEAD
(an upscale version of the common rest area)

I think the possibilities are endless!

19 Comments

anita.ferreri@gmail.com link

3/21/2015 12:19:59 am

I love the idea of a reading area ahead....maybe we could use those signs in schools!

elsie

3/21/2015 12:25:36 am

Fun thoughts for signs. :-) My father-in-law creates his own napping stops, he gets sleepy when driving, so he exits and takes a fifteen minute nap. Also I think in the reading area there should be a Little Free Library house.

Dianna link

3/21/2015 12:41:20 am

I love this idea. I wonder what students would come up with. Might be a great slice challenge for them. OR, maybe we could have a "pull off" during a long academic block. D :)

arjeha link

3/21/2015 12:41:48 am

I would be great to see these kinds of sings and have designated areas for each when traveling. Maybe a "Great Conversation Area up ahead" for those traveling long distances by themselves.

Lynn

3/21/2015 02:01:57 am

What a great idea! I wonder if people who text while driving will at least follow that rule!? I love your ideas as well.

Sharon

3/21/2015 02:02:03 am

What a clever post! Oh the possibilities are endless; you have left me pondering what signs I would like to post throughout our world. So creative; thanks for sharing.

fran link

3/21/2015 02:42:48 am

These sign possibilities are amazing. I wonder what signs the students would create for the entire school to promote reading and writing AND thinking???

travelinma link

3/21/2015 03:37:29 am

Interesting concept....so many possiblities!

Mary Ann Reilly link

3/21/2015 03:47:06 am

I imagine the line might back up for the rest stop to discuss CC.
I traveled on 84 through CT at the beginning of the month. I noticed the same type of sign just ver the border in NY state. The text stop was a rest stop (great view).

Melissa Vervinck

3/21/2015 04:20:43 am

I haven't seen signs like this, but I have seen drivers texting. This would be a great idea to have in a lot of places. It is a gentle reminder that it is OK to text, in the right place. Thanks for sharing!

Tara Smith link

3/21/2015 05:02:33 am

I love the idea of signs like these. Our journey may be longer, but much much nicer!

Aileen Hower

3/21/2015 06:10:26 am

I saw Lynne tweet about this yesterday. When I'm driving, the nap one would come in really handy. Hope you had a wonderful trip.

Donna Smith link

3/21/2015 07:30:31 am

Well, let's see...when I'm driving, I'd like a place to stop and put my feet up for a while..."Hammock Nook and a Book Ahead"...

Adrienne link

3/21/2015 08:15:27 am

Ooh, good ideas! Would definitely give pause to check out some of those signs!

Michelle Haseltine link

3/21/2015 08:46:24 am

I love the idea of these signs. I'd certainly stop at the reading sign!!!

Maureen link

3/21/2015 11:06:40 am

The idea of a discussion area on the highway just cracks me up! Love that the topics would change regularly. Fun ideas!

Matt

3/21/2015 11:14:15 pm

Are you suggesting that what the road needs is more opportunities for drivers to practice civility and open exchange of ideas? If so, then I think you're on to something. Of course, thinking of the current level of discourse between drivers, I think there would need to be a full-time dispute mediator on staff at these stops to ensure that they don't become places where people pull over to yell at one another about being cut off a mile back or another driver's underuse of their turn signals. Still, the sentiment is hopeful.

Kim Oldenburgh link

3/22/2015 03:13:41 am

First, I've never seen a "text area", but since mine stays in my car and I only use it for emergencies, I doubt I'd need it. More importantly, I love how your mind wandered. Here's what I thought as I was reading your rest areas:
NEED TO WRITE A SLICE?
GRAFFITI WALL
5 MILES AHEAD
(park bench overlooking a gentle flowing stream)

Ramona link

3/22/2015 11:05:43 pm

Great sign and gentle reminder to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Isn't it fun where we wander during this month of slicing? I love the possibilities!

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