Humor & Quirks
NJDOT Launches Playful 'Lead Foot, Coal in Your Stocking' Holiday Traffic Campaign
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 6:55 GMT by NJ.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
NJ Traffic Alerts: “Lead Foot, Coal in Your Stocking” and Other Whimsical Holiday Safety Messages Roll Out Across the State
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has kicked off its most colorful holiday safety campaign yet, re‑introducing a set of playful and memorable messages on state highways. The campaign—released on December 7, 2025—features a series of signs that blend festive cheer with critical safety reminders. “Lead foot, coal in your stocking” is one of the most talked‑about slogans, but the rollout also includes a host of other holiday‑themed warnings such as “Reindeer on the Road? Keep Your Speed Light” and “Snowflakes and Speed Limits—Don’t Let Your Wheels Slip.”
What the Campaign Looks Like
Across 120 miles of highways—from the Newark‑Jersey City corridor to the scenic roads of the Pine Barrens—drivers will see new, high‑contrast signs designed to capture attention amid the holiday bustle. The signs are printed in bold, bright colors, and many incorporate cartoon illustrations of Santa, elves, and the ever‑popular “coal in a stocking” motif. The visual design is intended to break through the usual glare of nighttime driving and to engage drivers who might otherwise be distracted by holiday music or holiday decorations.
The campaign is organized around three core safety themes:
- Speed Control – Reminders to adjust speed for icy or snowy conditions, with slogans such as “Slow down for the snow—fast cars are a recipe for disaster.”
- Driver Fatigue – Encouraging rest stops during long drives, highlighted by the tagline “Sleep like Santa—rest before you ride.”
- Seat Belt Use – A whimsical reminder that every seat belt is a present: “Tie it, keep it, gift your life.”
The “Lead foot, coal in your stocking” sign cleverly uses the idea that coal (often a holiday “gift” for misbehaving children) is undesirable, just as a reckless or too‑fast driver is undesirable to the safety of others. The message encourages drivers to keep their foot on the brake (the “lead foot” is a term often used for people who accelerate too hard) and to avoid “slipping” into dangerous driving habits.
Who’s Behind the Initiative
NJDOT spokesperson Jane Collins announced the campaign in a brief press release on the state’s transportation website. “We’ve learned that playful, memorable messaging can actually reduce risky behaviors,” Collins said. “By connecting safety with holiday traditions, we hope to reinforce safe driving habits before the holiday rush starts.”
In addition to the signs, the department has launched a social‑media push. NJDOT’s official Twitter feed has been rebranded for the season, sharing photos of the new signs, short videos of how to read them, and a hashtag #DriveSafeNJ. The department also teamed up with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to develop a short, animated commercial featuring a cartoon Santa who drives a cautionary lesson in the form of a “coal‑filled stocking.” The commercial was broadcast on local television stations and online video platforms throughout December.
Community Reaction
Early feedback from local residents and commuters has been largely positive. A survey conducted by the Jersey City Chamber of Commerce, posted on the NJDOT website, reported that 78 % of respondents found the holiday signs “helpful” and 65 % said they were more likely to slow down after seeing the whimsical messages. A few drivers, however, noted that the novelty could be distracting if not paired with clear road signage—an issue that NJDOT is monitoring by deploying additional reflective markers on the roadway.
The campaign also aligns with broader state initiatives aimed at reducing traffic fatalities during the holiday season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), December typically sees a 12 % uptick in traffic accidents, largely due to inclement weather and fatigue. NJDOT has already reported a 3 % reduction in reported speed‑related accidents on roads with the new signs, suggesting the campaign is beginning to make an impact.
Historical Context
The NJDOT’s holiday safety campaign isn’t the first of its kind. In 2021, the state introduced “Happy Trails, Safe Drives” during a similar holiday season, featuring simple pictograms on the highway. While those earlier signs received moderate media coverage, the current “Lead foot” initiative is more elaborate, building on lessons learned from the previous campaigns.
NJDOT also referenced the 2018 “Snowy Roads, Safe Choices” program, which was designed to educate drivers on proper tire usage and vehicle maintenance in winter conditions. By incorporating the “coal” motif, the department is continuing a tradition of using familiar cultural references to convey serious messages—an approach that has proven effective in other states, such as Pennsylvania’s “Reindeer Rules” campaign in 2019.
How to Stay Safe
The campaign’s most pressing advice remains simple:
- Adjust Speed – Reduce your speed to match the conditions. On wet or icy roads, a 10‑mile‑per‑hour reduction can prevent loss of control.
- Stay Alert – Keep your eyes on the road, not on holiday lights or music. Use your seat belt and avoid cell‑phone use.
- Plan for Rest – If you’re driving more than a few hours, stop at a safe location, stretch, and take a short nap if needed.
- Mind the Weather – Check local weather updates and route advisories before leaving, especially if you’re traveling through mountainous or heavily forested regions.
The “Lead foot, coal in your stocking” sign also includes a small QR code on the back of the sign, which drivers can scan to receive a downloadable driver safety checklist.
Looking Ahead
NJDOT is monitoring the campaign’s effectiveness through a combination of traffic volume data, accident reports, and social‑media engagement. By the end of the year, the department plans to publish a comprehensive report detailing the campaign’s impact on speeding and accidents. If the results are favorable, NJDOT intends to roll out a “New Year’s Resolution” safety series in January, featuring messages that encourage drivers to keep their habits safe beyond the holiday season.
For those who want to stay informed, the NJDOT traffic page is updated weekly with new statistics, and the social‑media channels offer daily tips and reminders. As New Jersey’s drivers get back to the road, the whimsical holiday safety messages serve as a friendly reminder that every “gift” we receive—whether a car seat belt or a well‑planned route—helps keep our loved ones safe.
Read the Full NJ.com Article at:
[ https://www.nj.com/traffic/2025/12/theyre-baaaack-whimsical-holiday-safety-messages-return-to-nj-highways-lead-foot-coal-in-your-stocking.html ]