The Arizona Department of Transportation is looking to promote a serious message by adding a bit of humor. You’ve likely seen the humorous signs above Valley freeways informing drivers, “Drinking And Driving Go Together Like Peas And Guac.” Doug Nintzel with ADOT said the goal was to get people’s attention… and it has.
"When the message was posted, within hours it was retweeted and made a favorite hundreds of times," Nintzel said. "The New York Times and even the Washington Post took note. So we’re very encouraged and pleased with the attention that some humor can create when it comes to a life and death matter like drinking and driving.”
Be safe tonight on the roads. You want to belly up to the table for turkey tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/9nirhjwQxK
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 26, 2015
The reference comes from a frequently mocked recipe in the Times that called for adding English peas to guacamole.
Nintzel said the popularity of the “Peas And Guac” sign has prompted ADOT to start thinking of more unique phrases to get people talking.
ADOT reports one in three car crash fatalities that occurred in the state last year involved alcohol.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been modified to reflect the number of traffic fatalities involving alcohol.
Updated 11/27/2015 at 12:35 p.m.
