In what was an attempt to get residents and visitors travelling throughout the state to be more aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity, the state of New Jersey installed new road signs. Little did they know, however, that these signs would spark fear and paranoia.
With the recent installation of road signs reading “Suspect Terrorism? See Something, Say Something” with a tip line number to report threats, the state of New Jersey has launched a public safety campaign in partnership with the Department of Transportation and New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
The campaign began last month and will run through mid-February. Nearly 200 signs have been placed along major highways during morning and afternoon rush hours seven days per week.
This coincides with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s national “If You See Something, Say Something” Awareness Day on September 25th.
The goal is to remind people that security is everyone’s responsibility when traveling through New Jersey highways; motorists are encouraged to speak up if they see anything out of the ordinary or potentially threatening activity.
Upon seeing these signs for the first time, some state residents were alarmed by their sudden appearance on major highways without much warning or publicity surrounding them.
Some thought this was related to 9/11 anniversary while others felt like there was something more going on behind closed doors that had not yet been revealed publicly.
Even though these feelings were present among some individuals, officials from NJOHSP reassured local residents that this initiative was being implemented solely for safety reasons; they wanted people travelling throughout their roads to stay vigilant about potential threats or suspicious activities so that attacks can be prevented in advance if possible.
NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti stated that safety is an important responsibility shared by all citizens within the community.
By displaying messages over their interstate highways they help remind those passing through what they need to do if they encounter any kind of suspicious activities while driving around: speak up.
