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Sometimes it’s the only thing to look forward to while driving the dreaded 405.

We’re talking about the twin illuminated signboards for the Don Kott Auto Center in Carson. Among the notices about new cars and interest rates are brief messages, from the amusing to the profound:

“Anger is one letter away from danger.” “Can is a word of power.” “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Behind those inspirational words is Margaret Kott, alias Mrs. Don and president of the business, who’s been reaching millions of drivers since 1988.

“I’ve always wanted to do this,” she explains during a day packed with meetings. “I thought it would be nice--the freeways are so stressful--and I thought it would be a nice thing for people, to lighten up their day, just make them feel better.”

Kott says she gets “tremendous” feedback, mostly positive but occasionally negative, on the messages, which derive from everything from Shakespeare to the Talmud to conversations with friends.

“It makes people smile, gives them hope, and that’s what I try to do. Some people say it’s so corny, but then I tell them, ‘But you look at it, don’t you?’ ”

We always do.