BERLIN, Md. -- A road sign in Berlin is delivering practical reminders to drivers in comedic fashion. Based on speeding data shared by the Berlin Police Department this week, the sign might have arrived at just the right time.
On Thursday, drivers were welcomed into town with a friendly reminder that the weekend, thankfully, is just around the corner. The sign's rotating messages read: WELCOME TO BERLIN... HANG ON... IT'S ALMOST FRIDAY!
Now, the sign wasn't installedto only show wacky or encouraging messages.
Public Works Superintendent Cody Chesser said it can and will display important information.
"For instance, if we had a malfunctioning trash truck and pickup was going to be a day late," said Chesser.
The public works office can alter the sign's messaging remotely, so all it takes is one click to change the information. This allows for customized, often funny bulletins.
On Valentine's Day, the sign read: BE A CUTIE... DON'T DRIVE SNOOTY... HAPPY V-DAY FROM TOWN OF BERLIN.
Another message read: WELCOME TO BERLIN... ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE AND A SEAT BELT.
While the messages on the sign vary, nearly all end with a reminder to drivers, such as BE SAFE, DRIVE SMART, or PLEASE SLOW DOWN.
"If it makes you laugh it's going to catch your attention more than just a generic message," said Chesser. "If we can make people laugh and keep them safe then we're doing our job."
Right now, a combination of comedy and safety is sorely needed. From July through Dec. 2024, the town's speed cameras recorded 9,084 violations.
"No way in the world would we have ever thought 9,000, or 3,000 in one month," said Police Chief Arnold Downing.
Violations Breakdown from 2024:
July: 500
August: 3,113
September: 2,448
October: 1,225
November: 872
December: 926
Chief Downing noted the downward trend of the violations. He said the cameras were installed to change the behavior of drivers in Berlin, and with fewer violations each month, the technology appears to be paying off.
Downing believes the sign's popularity will allow that trend to continue.
"A lot of people are taking pictures, putting it on their Facebook, so it's shot out in different ways," said Downing. "It was a great idea andthe town staff should be commended for utilizing equipment in that way."
Public works officials said the sign will move throughout town for different events or to let people know about major work. For right now, though, it will stay put on Main Street, urging people to slow down as they head into Berlin.