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john65pennington's avatar

Are you familiar with the interstate radio flashing traffic alert signs?

Asked by john65pennington (29273points) February 14th, 2010

These are the big yellow signs that have yellow flashing lights on top. when flashing, you are to tune to an AM radio frequency for an emergency traffic situation ahead. i see these lights flashing all the time on the interstate. i tune my car radio to the stated AM radio frequency, but there is nothing there. if it is there, you can barely hear the information. can’t the states do better than this? if the traffic information is that serious, to warrant a sign and flashing lights, at least make the information audible to the drivers. any one agree?

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5 Answers

Berserker's avatar

I guess that’s why most radio stations have traffic updates periodically, or at least around the times of rush hour. That in itself might be a lot more convenient than for one station trying too cover to big of an area.
I’m not sure entirely how it works, but I’m thinking local stations do the trick nicely, for both minor and serious updates.

Granted, if they are going to establish this flashy sign thing, they might have to work on it, based on what you’re saying.

But man, we’re still screwed if there’s ever a zombie outbreak.

john65pennington's avatar

Cool answer. AM radio has always had problems. this is why FM came into being. after the radio stations abandoned AM radio, the states took over some of the frequencies for their emergency traffic alerts. the states apparently do not care about the quality of the radio signal, since they will collect their share of federal money for the project, anyway. thanks. john

lucillelucillelucille's avatar

I am familiar with them and they are why I turn up the music louder when i see them:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d__jJG5hYpA

john65pennington's avatar

Lucy, you like Howlin Wolf? i went to the site and listened. not bad. john. Happy Valentines Day to you.

lucillelucillelucille's avatar

I love Howlin’ Wolf!Thanks,John!Happy Valentine’s day to you too :))

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