OUR VIEW: Billboards would aid in Amber Alert

A recent Amber Alert in Utah turned out to be a false alarm, involving a custody dispute rather than an actual kidnapping, but the incident served as a prime example of how the system can help children in danger.

Descriptions of the alleged kidnapper’s vehicle were sent to television and radio stations, and highway information signs that normally serve as a road condition warning service also alerted travelers to be on the lookout.

Travelers saw the vehicle identified as the suspected kidnapper’s, and police were able to respond in a timely manner to find him.

Fortunately, the little girl was safe, but things don’t always work that way.

An Amber Alert issued in Sarasota, Fla. helped police track down and arrest a suspect in a kidnapping that was caught on a video surveillance camera, but it was too late for 11-year old Carlie Brucia.

Logan doesn’t currently have a way to alert those who are most likely to be able to find kidnappers before it’s too late – commuters.

Travelers driving down the road may or may not be listening to the radio, but chances are they will pay attention to a large flashing sign in front of them.

Highway information signs at the base of Sardine Canyon or other likely entrance points to Cache Valley could provide two valuable services: To alert drivers of dangerous road conditions not uncommon during winters here, and to quickly get information out once an Amber Alert is issued.

These signs could save lives.