The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently launched an initiative that will use technology to detect traffic congestion and warn drivers of dangerous slow-downs.
The systems will be installed at 13 highway sites in and around major urban centers that ODOT identified as high-congestion, high-crash areas. The systems use cameras to detect slow or stopped traffic that will automatically trigger a message board a few miles away. Alerts will be available on traffic apps.
The goal of the initiative is to reduce deadly “end-of-queue” crashes, collisions that occur when drivers fail to recognize slowing or stopped traffic and hit vehicles at the end of the slow-down.
In 2023, there were 8,811 end-of-queue highway crashes, according to ODOT, and the rate has been increasing over the past three years. The agency anticipates the systems will help reduce the crashes by at least 16 percent, approximately 1,400 crashes.
“As technology continues to evolve, we’re always looking for new ways to help prevent serious and fatal crashes on our highways,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “Although we’re confident that these warning systems will help prevent crashes, there is still no substitute for safe driving. For these signs to be effective, drivers must be paying attention.”