Drivers in New Jersey have been taken aback by the sudden appearance of roadway signs urging them to report suspicious activity related to terrorism. The signs, which read "Suspect Terrorism? See Something, Say Something," have been installed as part of a public safety campaign initiated by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) in collaboration with the state Department of Transportation and New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

The campaign, which was launched last month, aims to remind residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report potential threats or suspicious behavior. However, the signs' arrival on major highways without prior notice or public announcement has left many state residents feeling uneasy. Some have even speculated that the signs might be indicative of an undisclosed and imminent security threat.

Local news outlet News12 interviewed Laura Brunetti, a resident of Nanalapan, who expressed her concerns, saying, "This makes me think that there's an underlying thing going on that's not public yet." Other residents interviewed by the outlet believed the signs were related to the upcoming anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.

The installation of these Variable Message Signs, as announced in an August 30 news release, is part of a larger campaign that will run from September through mid-February. Nearly 200 signs promoting NJOHSP's suspicious activity reporting number will be placed across the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate Highways. The signs will specifically target drivers during morning and afternoon rush hours, seven days a week.

NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in keeping the state safe, stating, "The public is one of our first and best lines of defense in the fight against terrorism." Doran further explained that the "See Something, Say Something" initiative aims to bolster the state's security efforts by encouraging residents and visitors to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity.

NJDOT Commissioner and NJ Turnpike Authority Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti echoed this sentiment, noting, "Safety and security are everyone's responsibility." Gutierrez-Scaccetti highlighted the role of the Variable Message Signs in reminding the millions of motorists who traverse the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate Highways to be proactive in reporting any potential threats.

The campaign's launch coincides with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's national "If You See Something, Say Something" Awareness Day, observed on September 25. In support of the initiative, NJTA Executive Director James Carone expressed his satisfaction in displaying the "See Something, Say Something" message on the digital Variable Message Signs over the New Jersey Turnpike. Carone emphasized the crucial role that the nearly 700,000 drivers who use the Turnpike daily play in protecting public safety.

While the public safety campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage citizen involvement, the mysterious arrival of these signs has left many New Jersey residents confused and questioning whether there is a specific terror threat. Authorities have reassured the public that the campaign is a proactive measure to enhance security and not indicative of any imminent danger. As the campaign continues, officials hope that it will serve as a constant reminder to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, ensuring the safety and security of New Jersey's highways and communities.