When Combined with Added Enforcement, the Smart Sign Technology in Washington, D.C., Reduced Daily Distracted Driving by Approximately 45 Percent.
A Field Deployment at Two Corridors in Washington D.C. Compared Distracted Driver Counts before and after Smart Signs Were Installed.
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
DC turns to tech to bring down distracted driving; rates drop 45%
Summary Information
Distracted driving is a persistent safety concern that significantly increases the risk of traffic crashes. In 2024, the Highway Safety Office in Washington, D.C. piloted a Smart Signs program aimed at reducing risky driving behaviors and enhancing safety on urban streets. The program utilizes sensor technology that combines laser-based detection and thermal imaging to identify unsafe driving behaviors in real time. For example, when a motorist is detected holding a mobile phone, a nearby portable electronic sign displays the message “PHONE DOWN”. Similarly, the system displays “BUCKLE UP” when seatbelt non-use is detected and “SLOW DOWN” when a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit. Multiple Smart Signs were deployed at high-traffic locations with elevated crash risk across the city to assess the technology’s effectiveness.
METHODOLOGY
The Smart Signs program was evaluated through a trial deployment along North Capitol Street and New York Avenue. During the trial, the number of distracted drivers was observed and recorded. These observations were compared with levels measured prior to installation to assess changes in distracted driving behavior. A before–after comparison of distracted driver counts was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Smart Signs deployment.
FINDINGS
Deployment of Smart Signs along the New York Avenue safety corridor resulted in a measurable reduction in distracted driving. During a 57-day period, more than 30,000 distracted driving events were recorded. When Smart Signs were combined with additional enforcement and signage, the average daily number of distracted drivers decreased by approximately 45 percent by the end of the two-month period. The article notes additional data collection would be required to assess longer-term impacts.
