Drivers Say Amber Alerts On California Highways Hard To Read

SAN JOSE (KCBS) –The Amber alert that went up on highway message boards last week has caused some drivers to ask, "Why are they so hard to read?" Riding shotgun along 880 through San Jose, David Crain saw the Amber Alert still posted on a highway message board.

KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:

"It had three lines, and something about a missing child," said Crain. "It had a car description, but the description was abbreviated, so unless you knew a lot about that kind of thing, there was no way that you could ever tell what the message was really about."

Other drivers have complained about too many of the lights being out, making the messages even harder to read. But Caltrans spokesperson Traci Ruth said they are currently in the process of replacing the old xenon lamps with LED bulbs.

"This is going to extend their life, and also make them more visible for motorists," said Ruth.

Still, some motorists, like Greg Delasandro worry the lights will be too bright.

"The brightness will kind of distract you I believe," said Delasandro. "Especially because you have a lot of these drivers that are real close drivers."

Ruth says there are no indications the new LED lights will be distracting. All the message boards should be upgraded by Christmas.

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