Driving on the highway can be stressful, but there are signs that the tension could improve.

Lately, Delaware motorists may have noticed some lightheartedness on highway message boards noting the importance of safe driving.

For years, the Delaware Department of Transportation has used safety messages on its electronic boards throughout the state. Bulletins like “Buckle Up” encourage drivers to take measures to ensure security behind the wheel.

DelDOT is now receiving kudos for the boards’ recent witty wordage.

Scott Neidert, a DelDOT traffic safety engineer and Highway Safety Improvement Program manager, and his team are responsible for producing the slogans, and he said they have provided an avenue to promote safe driving in an indirect way.

“People would drive into work (previously), and I’m sure they wouldn’t say ‘Hey, did you see that message?’ but now people will come in and be like, ‘Hey, did you see that traffic message about the Philadelphia Eagles or Seinfeld?’ We just want to get the word out about safe driving, and this is a way that has an indirect kind of influence rather than just direct,” Mr. Neidert said.

Statements such as “Woody says don’t drive buzzed” or “Only reindeer can fly” are just some of the amusing phrases that have been used. Mr. Neidert said that, even though brainstorming the messages may seem fun, it’s not very exciting.

The process of getting a pun up in lights starts as members of Mr. Neidert’s team alert him when ideas pop into their heads. He said the quips usually come after a colleague watches a TV show or sporting event.

From there, the messages are entered into a spreadsheet, and DelDOT’s executive management has the final say on which make the cut.

“There’s nobody actively sitting there thinking of messages during the day. There’s no meetings to discuss ideas. There’s nothing like that. It’s literally off the cuff,” he added.

“There’s basically one requirement, which is that the message needs to be traffic-related. Other than that, it’s a very informal process.”

Mr. Neidert added that it’s been an enjoyable task and that he’s glad the signage has resonated.

Comical contributions from the public are also considered, said DelDOT’s director of community relations Charles McLeod.

“The challenge is that we have limited space on the signs, and there is a balance you have to find. You don’t want the sign to be overly distracting, and you don’t want there to be too much reading involved for the driver. If there’s too many words, it’s a distraction. So there is definitely a nuance to it,” Mr. McLeod said.

He applauded Mr. Neidert and his team for their work in getting the message out about safe driving in Delaware.

“It’s an organic process, and we’ve been lucky to get contributions from around the department. Scott and his team are very thoughtful about it,” he said.

“The ultimate goal is safety, and getting that message out in a fun way has certainly made an impression on drivers throughout the state.”