Take a good look at the next billboard you pass – and then check your speed. What you might notice...

Beware of billboards...

A recent study says they can have a dramatic effect on how we drive, depending on the message. They discovered that drivers tend to speed up after passing signs with enticing messages or images such as cash, fame or sex appeal. Depressing billboards were dangerous too. After passing signs with negative words and images such as abuse, stress, prison or war, drivers had a tendency to slow down and drift from their lane.