New Color for State Vehicles in New York?

Is the New York State Department of Transportation actually thinking about changing the color of its massive fleet of vehicles?

New York DOT Changing Truck Colors?

Earlier this week, the NYSDOT posted on social media that it was planning to transition its vehicles from yellow to a high-visibility safety pink.

“After continued observation of some motorists still failing to slow down or move over for traditional yellow NYSDOT vehicles, we have identified the need for a more attention-commanding approach,” the DOT said. “Beginning this year, a phased transition will begin to update the color of all NYSDOT vehicles to a high-visibility safety pink.”

Not long after it was posted, plenty of people started asking the obvious question...is this an April Fools’ joke?

Yes, it was, but here’s the funny part...a ton of people actually think it’s a great idea. And honestly, looking at the photo, the trucks don’t look terrible in pink...right? Hundreds of commenters seemed to agree.

“Actually… the hot pink might be a good idea! So many drivers ignore those huge DOT vehicles; it is upsetting to see some of the near misses. This idea is so silly it might really be a good idea. Try it on smaller vehicles first, like mowers,” one person wrote.

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“It may be an April Fools’ joke, but pink is more visible than the yellow trucks you use now. I once saw a pink traffic cone at the Thruway Authority building in West Nyack, and it stood out from the orange cones,” another added.

After racking up more than 350 comments, the DOT even joked back, saying,

“Our fleet team is reading these comments, wondering if we should really order pink trucks based on what you all are saying.”

 

It’s unclear if they’d ever seriously consider it, but they weren’t the only ones having some April Fools’ fun.

Speed Bumps on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge?

The New York State Bridge Authority also had drivers who use the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge doing a double take. In a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, they announced what sounded like a pretty wild change:

“As part of our ongoing commitment to bridge safety, we’re introducing an enhanced speed control measure on the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge,” the NYSBA said. “Installation will take place today. Once complete, motorists should expect a noticeable change to the roadway and are advised to reduce speed while crossing. Low-riders are advised to use another bridge.”

A few hours later, after hundreds of comments and shares, they ended the joke saying,

"No giant speed bumps are being installed on the bridge, but driving the limit is still one of the best ways to stay (and keep others) safe. Thanks for playing along this April 1, and remember: 🚗 Safe driving is no joke."

 

So yeah, both ideas were jokes, but you’ve gotta admit, they might actually work.