The Washington State Patrol has introduced a groundbreaking tool aimed at reducing speeding incidents on the roads, utilizing cellphone data from over one million users in the state. This innovative approach, which leverages data collected in 2023, allows authorities to pinpoint areas with a high frequency of dangerous driving behaviors.
“This is an exciting development, as we now have access to data we’ve never utilized before,” stated Shelly Baldwin, acting Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “This method is predictive rather than reflective, enabling us to anticipate where issues may arise.” The commission utilized state funding to acquire telematics data from Michelin Mobility Intelligence, which tracks driver behavior, including instances of speeding, hard braking, and the use of mobile devices while driving.
Baldwin explained that the new tool allows law enforcement to manipulate various data layers, providing insights into specific timeframes and locations. “You can activate or deactivate layers to see which times and locations are particularly problematic,” she noted. “For example, some areas may show high speeding rates at certain times of day while being less concerning at others.”
In the coming six weeks, the Washington State Patrol will intensify its enforcement efforts in four specific locations identified as hotspots for speeding based on the cellphone data. These targeted areas include sections of Interstate 5, stretching from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to Fife and from Fife to Auburn, as well as zones north and south of Everett on I-5. Additionally, a 14-mile segment of Interstate 90, located east and west of downtown Spokane, will also see increased monitoring and enforcement.
This proactive measure reflects a significant shift in how the state approaches traffic safety, moving from reactive strategies to data-driven decision-making. By harnessing technology and analytics, the Washington State Patrol aims to enhance road safety and effectively deter speeding, ultimately protecting drivers and passengers across the state.
