Indiana Highway Signs Hacked: Motorists Told to ‘Slow the F*ck Down’
Well, it’s no “use ya blinkah.’’ Drivers received some aggressive traffic instructions while cruising along Indiana State Road 37 Friday morning:
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The Indianapolis Star reported that the signs were spotted in Martinsville and appeared to be the work of a prankster. Police are investigating the incident.
“The signs are the responsibility of private traffic control companies, which have subcontracts with highway contractors,’’ an Indiana Department of Transportation spokesperson told a local Fox affiliate. “INDOT has notified the emergency contacts on the projects in the area.’’
As Jalopnik notes, changing the messages on electronic highway signs can be surprisingly easy: Many access panels on the portable machines are left unlocked and, once opened, can be easily manipulated with basic computer skills. Even password-protected units can have their protections reset with a simple keyboard command.
So, until manufacturers step up to fix these problems, we may as well all strap in for some more Godzilla and zombie warnings.
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