Pa. Wants to Sell Advertising on Road Hazard Signs

Electronic signs along Pennsylvania highways -- the kind that warn drivers of accidents, traffic jams, and construction -- could soon be pitching products if state officials get their way.

Pennsylvania has joined California and Florida in asking the federal government to allow the sale of advertising on electronic highway signs to generate money to fix roads and bridges.

The Patriot-News of Harrisburg says it has obtained an application indicating that states would contract with private companies to upgrade and maintain the electronic signs.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says the advertising could generate $150 million annually for each state. But traffic safety advocates argue that the ads could distract drivers and pose a road hazard.