the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Digital billboards have become a ubiquitous feature of urban landscapes, capturing attention with their vibrant displays and dynamic content. While these digital signs offer advertisers new ways to engage audiences, concerns have been raised about their potential impact on road safety, particularly in relation to distracted driving.
The allure of digital billboards lies in their ability to deliver eye-catching messages that can quickly capture the attention of drivers. However, this very quality has sparked debates about whether these signs contribute to driver distraction and, consequently, increase the risk of accidents on the road.
Research on the topic has yielded mixed findings. Some studies suggest that digital billboards can indeed divert drivers’ attention away from the road, leading to delayed reaction times and increased crash risk. The rapid changes in content on digital billboards may draw drivers’ gaze away from the road for longer periods, disrupting their focus and awareness of their surroundings.
On the other hand, proponents of digital billboards argue that these signs are no more distracting than traditional static billboards or other roadside advertisements. They contend that drivers have a responsibility to maintain focus while behind the wheel and that digital billboards are just one of many potential distractions encountered on the road.
Regulatory measures regarding digital billboards vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some municipalities have imposed restrictions on the placement and operation of digital billboards, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes or known safety concerns. These regulations may include limits on brightness, duration of display transitions, and proximity to intersections.
In response to concerns about distracted driving, some digital billboard operators have implemented safety measures such as dimming displays during nighttime hours or displaying static images to minimize visual distractions.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding the impact of digital billboards on distracted driving is complex and multifaceted. While these signs undoubtedly have the potential to divert drivers’ attention, the extent of their contribution to road safety concerns remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. As technology continues to evolve and regulatory frameworks adapt, striking a balance between advertising innovation and public safety will remain a critical challenge for policymakers and stakeholders alike.
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No more distracting than the mindless music you play. No more distracting than answering your phone or texting while you’re weaving in and out of traffic at 65 mph. No more distracting than putting on your make-up, or paying attention to the perseverating mundanities that cross your mind all the time.
However, dismissing it as just another distraction you encounter on the road is not a particularly good argument either. Then install as many as you want? Pave them into the roads too?
Wow, sounds to me like you really shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a car as the “perseverating mundanities that cross your mind all the time” sound like maybe an Uber is a better option on a major highway where precious lives are at risk. Doesn’t make it right to add yet another distraction and people should be responsible while operating a several thousand pound vehicle, but you sound okay with putting people in harms way because, people are distracted anyway. Just like our mayor said PFAS is everywhere.
Just tell us the real reason why you object to the billboard instead of conflating it with PFAS (irrelevant) and your faux concern with putting people in harm’s way (you don’t care). If you’re unable to ignore, or treat it like any other informational signage, you’re clearly the one who shouldn’t be driving, and you have little faith in your fellow motorists to do likewise. In that case, all your licenses should be revoked. Perhaps your concern is you won’t be able to look away if the billboard advertises prurient content like the one constantly being used to illustrate this issue. If so, that’s an issue for you and wife and not for public consumption.
Wow, you should not be on any road let along Rt. 17. You sound really ignorant and your logic and reasoning is just devisive.
Also, if you’re going to comment on an article about distracted driving citing expert opinions, and then take one position or the other, you should at least be aware of the definition of distracted driving being used, not just what you think it is.
“Distracted driving has been defined as the ‘diversion of attention away from activities critical for safe driving toward a competing activity.’ Drivers engage in many competing tasks (including eating, adjusting the radio, and talking to passengers) that are not related to operating the vehicle in traffic …” Klauer, et al. Distracted Driving and Risk of Road Crashes among Novice and Experienced Drivers. N Engl J Med 2014.
Did you read that? Stuffing your face, playing the radio, yelling at your kids, all fall within the common definition of distracted driving. I.e. you’re engaging in distracted driving ALL the time, and if not you because you’re a perfect little angel, then 99% of the people around you. So, now you know.
Just remember, when you are ready, help is only a phone call away.
Oh, you’ll need the NJ Hopeline when you’re basking in the cool glow of our beautiful new billboard. Just don’t make the call while you’re driving. You wouldn’t want to be distracted from the road.
I’d rather call you for your wisdom and wit, like maybe around 4 Am or so.
That’s when I do my best work, mi’lady.
I think that the bottom line here is that this type of billboard, or any for that matter, is out of character with Ridgewood. While it is true that this billboard is proposed for Route 17, once you open the door to their presence in the Village, it cannot be shut. Do you want the rooftops in the CBD littered with these things? Is is okay to put one at Whole Foods? How about McMurphys? How about a nice tall one on Goffle to light up the country club section?
Yeah, because that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Just as soon as they install a laser sky projector to advertise the parking garage 24/7, with a giant hologram of the mayor pointing the way.
Once they open the door to their presence it cannot be shut … bet a lot of people feel the same way about people who think they’re the ‘character police.’ But take heart, because nothing is forever.
Giant LED billboards are forever . . .
What a dope you are.
Okay, Paul.
I intentionally do not ever use anything advertised on a billboard. The cheesiest form of advertising. Usually low life businesses and attorneys that need to utilize this type of marketing
We are not south of RT 4. This will just be a stepping stone to more crap that will make our town look cheap
Are you really still calling Ridgewood a “village”? Lol lol !!