New Jersey sparks terror fears and confuses residents with statewide 'see something, say something' roadway campaign

New Jersey has been accused of sparking terror fears and confusing residents with a new statewide 'see something, say something' roadway campaign. 

The campaign, which was launched September 1 in New Jersey, projects the eerie message 'suspect terrorism?' on billboards along the state's major interstates - telling drivers what to do if they suspect terrorist activities. 

Although the messaging is from state officials, some of the thousands of drivers who pass the signs every day have become worried about what it might actually mean. 

Locals have said the signs, as well as confusing them, have made them question 'what's going on we aren't told about.'  

It's understood that the signage is illuminated on the highways during rush hours. 

The campaign, which was launched September 1 in New Jersey, projects the eerie message 'suspect terrorism?' on billboards along the state's major interstates 

Laura Brunetti, who lives in Manalapan, New Jersey, said: 'This has actually put me into a more cautious mode'

New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness said the signage is to remind people to 'be aware of their surroundings' because the public are the 'first line of defense against terrorism.'

'The goal of the campaign over the next few months is to remind residents and visitors, who may be traversing New Jersey's highways for vacation, holiday shopping and other festivities, of the importance of being aware of their surroundings and of reporting suspicious activity,' Director Laurie Doran said.

'The public is one of our first and best lines of defense in the fight against terrorism. 

'Our 'See Something, Say Something' initiative bolsters the State's security efforts and plays a key role in helping to identify threats and to prevent attacks.'

The campaign will run until February and include nearly 200 signs along major New Jersey roads. 

NJ Department of Transpiration Commissioner and NJ Turnpike Authority Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said: 'Safety and security are everyone's responsibility. 

'Using Variable Message Signs on the New Jersey Turnpike and our Interstate Highways will help remind millions of motorists if they 'See Something, Say Something' when driving through our State.'

The campaign will run until February and include nearly 200 signs along major New Jersey roads

'We are happy to support this important public information campaign by displaying the 'See Something, Say Something' message on the digital Variable Message Signs over the New Jersey Turnpike,' turnpike Executive Director James Carone said.

'The nearly 700,000 drivers who use the Turnpike on an average day have an important role to play in protecting public safety. 

'These signs encourage them to speak up if they see suspicious activity.'

Some people were more suspicious about the campaign and wondered why it was now suddenly targeting New Jersey. 

Laura Brunetti, who lives in Manalapan, New Jersey, told News 12: 'This has actually put me into a more cautious mode. 

'Yes I would say something if I saw something, but this makes me think that there's an underlying thing going on that's not public yet.' 

One person wrote on social media:  'Drivers in New Jersey have been greeted with roadway signs that read, 'Suspect Terrorism? See Something, Say Something,' with a tip line number to report threats. Hmmmm....what do they know that we don't know??

Another added: 'Hmmm... Wonder why they thought this was necessary? 

A third person, who drives through New Jersey frequently, stated: 'I love having an anxiety disorder and driving through New Jersey and seeing “SUSPECT TERRORISM?” in yellow lights over every major highway.' 

One person on X added: 'Here in NJ, the state has lighted signs on highways saying "suspect terrorism call...". 

'When I first saw the sign a couple of weeks ago and then this past Sunday, I wondered what's going on we aren't told about.'

A user also said that the billboards caused fearmongering: 'All the “suspect terrorism?” signs on all major NJ roadways all starting right before 9/11… its Fear Mongering plain and simple.'