Along with the first Model T Ford, roadside distractions have caused havoc along the way. There were the simple days, litter on the road, potholes, billboards, Burma Shave ads, tuning the radio, scolding noisy kids in the back seat. Then fast food came into being and drivers began to reach for McD’s hot beverage or chomp on the triple cheeseburger, others would comb their golden locks, apply makeup, or get a close shave with a razor.
Teens cruisin in their dad’s Olds flirted with attractive girls in hot pants. They would marry and have kids who would fight over the DVDs to watch in the backseat, mall sprawl went ballistic. Next, then on to cell phones, Ipads or Ipods, billboards gone video and perhaps the deadliest, TEXTING. From my seat of the motor home, I have become a habitual voyeur, observing the trends as the nation drives down the road. Next?
The highways have gotten a bit bumpier with a new distraction, an epidemic of young (mostly male) “sign wavers.” These characters are exuberant, full of energy, often dressed in costume as Statues of Liberty, bulls, bear, cowboys, clowns. They hoist big arrow-shaped signs trying to draw the driver to their employer’s business. They beg you to sell your gold, buy Liberty Tax Services, fast food, a car, boat, vacation, an endless list of gimmicks. Does this ploy work? Does it sell product or lure in the driver from their original destinations? I just had to investigate and learned the following from Jerome Osteryoung’s Posting:on Jan 27, 2012;
The idea was hatched by Liberty Tax Services, their sign wavers wearing flowing glowing green robes, Statue of Liberty halos and waving signs to lure customers to their corner and away from H & R Block’s block. Two former sign wavers, working in 2002 started their own company–AAROW ADVERTISING. They have upwards of 500 employees and offer a franchising operation, not only on our home turf, but internationally. They deem eye contact and a big smile as essential to success.
From my observation out of the RV windshield, excessive enthusiasm, endless energy to dance, hop, skip, jump, wave heavy signs and smile ear to ear is imperative. Also, the willingness to perform in sweltering heat and cold driving rain helps too.