SmartSign Driver Behavior Program
The SmartSign Driver Behavior Pilot Program for Cass County was made possible through federal grant funding from the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Plan to assist in achieving the goal of Vision Zero.
Driver behaviors including not wearing a seat belt, speeding and/or driving aggressively, and distracted driving are all preventable factors that have contributed to motor vehicle crashes throughout North Dakota. Starting in October, Cass County will begin the installation of traffic safety equipment throughout the county road system to help identify and provide feedback of these unsafe driving behaviors to help prevent crashes.
The comprehensive safe driving system from SaferStreet Solutions utilizes a SmartSign, driver behavior detectors, and the IntelliRoad cloud dashboard. The SmartSign, is an intelligent driver feedback sign that can identify speeding, distracted driving, and unbelted drivers and notify them in real time. Due to the SmartSign’s ability to alert the right driver, at the right time, with the right message, it is an effective tactic to reach a target audience.
The non-invasive system uses advanced infrared sensor technology to keep Cass County drivers’ identities anonymous while simultaneously collecting information and alerting drivers of unsafe driver behaviors.
The SmartSign System has been tested on over two million vehicles in cities in the following states: Washington, Maryland, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio. In a case study in Penfield, New York, the SmartSign System had a significant impact on driving behavior. Over a four-week period, 2676 drivers were alerted at the exact moment they were being distracted, and of those that were passing the sign while distracted driving, 58% of them put their phone down after being alerted.
Due to weather conditions, the SmartSign itself will only be utilized from spring to fall. However, the behavior detectors will remain operable throughout the year. Each detector works independent of the SmartSign to collect distracted driver, speed, seat belt, and traffic volume data. No personally identifiable vehicle information will be collected or used by Cass County officials.
By understanding high risk locations, Cass County can implement appropriate countermeasures to improve the safety and efficiency of county roads. Data will also be used to help guide the planning and construction of future county highway projects.
For additional information about this project, residents may contact Leah Kelm from the Cass County Highway Department at (701) 367-2021 with any questions.
About Vision Zero
On January 18, 2018, Governor Doug Burgum, the North Dakota Department of Transportation, North Dakota Highway Patrol and the North Dakota Department of Health proudly unveiled a new traffic safety initiative: Vision Zero. Zero fatalities. Zero excuses.
Motor vehicle crash fatalities and injuries are sudden, violent, and traumatic events. The impact is long-lasting, often permanent, and extends beyond the victims to impact the lives of the victim’s family, friends, and community.
The Vision Zero strategy aims to establish a culture of shared responsibility where motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries are recognized as preventable and not tolerated. The mission is to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes.
To learn more about Vision Zero, please visit VisionZero.ND.gov.
