Oregon highway signs use 'Messages from Mom' to discourage texting

April 10 (UPI) -- The Oregon Department of Transportation is promoting road safety by turning to an even higher authority in the minds of drivers: "Mom."

The department unveiled Friday its "Messages from Mom" campaign, which features electronic signs on Interstate 5 lightning up with messages signed "--Mom."

The messages include:

"Drop the phone. Because I said so, that's why."

"Put the phone away, I'm going to count to 3."

"Don't text and drive... and eat your vegetables."

ODOT official Gary Leaming said the signs are aimed at encouraging safe driving behavior in areas where authorities have noticed a high number of violations.

"We're really targeting them in an area that they're using the devices. Versus an advertising campaign that would cost money, these are basically free message boards," Leaming told KTVL-TV.

The campaign, scheduled to last the rest of the month, will also include signs suggested by members of the public on ODOT's social media pages.