It's potentially dangerous and it inconveniences thousands of motorists trying to get or return to work or wherever. Hacking an Amber Alert sign, as you earlier suggested, should (rightfully) land one in jail. I can't believe you seriously suggested it. Every second counts when it comes to child abduction.
This is only a portable traffic warning sign. It wasnt really “hacked”. Someone physically walked up to it, opened the control panel and made it say what they wanted. There are a few that are remotely changed but most are just simple programmable flashing signs.
Amber alert signs are another animal altogether. They are controlled either wirelessly via cell phone or on the DOT network and I am positive are not able to be manipulated in this way. If it was then it would have been an “authentic hack.”
This was just humorous shenanigans.