It is impossible to escape the bright orange work zone signs that can be spotted anywhere across the state of Maine. Construction is constant, improvements are always being made, and the signs letting you know when you're entering a work zone have become as common in our mind a stop sign. But they weren't always so plain and simple. In fact, in the 1950s, they were quite ominous.

Posted on social media by the Maine Turnpike, check out this work zone sign from 60+ years ago. You'll notice some serious differences from the signs you see today. First off, there is a ton of writing and a lot of the words are right on top of each other.

If you're going at a high rate of speed, it may be tough to real it all. But more importantly, perhaps MOST importantly, you'll notice something else...

THE GRIM REAPER IS ON THE SIGN

Yes, the grim reaper himself, carrying along his trusty sickle, was apparently the mascot for work zone signs in the 1950s. There's no subtlety to this sign whatsoever. Drive fast in this work zone, and you're going to see the grim reaper.

Pretty straight forward, and chances are, they were pretty effective.

But alas, today's signs don't feature anything nearly as grim. Perhaps it frightened children, or adults, too much, and the grim guy lost his big mascot job.

Maybe those bright orange signs aren't so bad after all.

More From 94.3 WCYY