According to MSNBC.com:
Collinsville- Illinos- Pranksters in at least three states are messing with electronic road signs meant to warn motorists of possible traffic problems by putting on notice about Nazi zombies and raptors. And Highway safety officials aren't amused.
The latest breach came Tuesday during the morning rush hour near Collinsville, Ill., where hackers changed a sign along southbound Interstate 255 to read, "DAILY LANE CLOSURES DUE TO ZOMBIES."
A day earlier in Indiana's Hamilton County, the electronic message on a board in Carmel's construction zone warned drivers of "RAPTORS AHEAD- CAUTION." (courtesy of http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29017293/)
This article goes on to inform is that not only did this disturbing prank occur in Illinois, but also in Texas and that those who tamper with the traffic announcement boards are subject to a hefty fine ($250 and in some states up to $5,000). These hoaxes that were broadcasted on the electronic boards are not a laughing matter... an individual who is suffering from a mental disorder could have gone into hysteria, thinking that there are literally zombies/ aliens in the area. This incident reminds me of the War of the Worlds, when Wells broadcasted a program on the radio that informed the public that there is some sort of invasion of aliens in the area. This occurrence caused a great uproar; many listeners actually believed him and were in a huge state of PANIC. This shows that not only does the media have a very strong hold on us, but that one must be careful what they jest and poke fun at. What might be a joke to one person might be a horrific, life or death issue to another.
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