Predictive traffic enforcement hopes to curb speeding and save lives in Washington
Drivers zipping down the freeway in Washington State might want to think twice about speeding. Not just because of police presence or speed traps, but also because data from their cellphones is being used to identify speeders throughout the state. In 2023, data from more than 1 million cellphone users helped Washington State identify where speeding and risky driving are most likely to happen.
It’s part of a new, tech-forward initiative by the Washington State Patrol and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to make roads safer and prevent car accidents before they occur.
"This is so exciting to be using data that we haven't had access to before," said acting Director Shelly Baldwin, "This is predictive as opposed to reflective."
How cellphone data is changing traffic enforcement
Traditionally, traffic safety efforts have been reactive. They respond to crashes, speeding tickets, or community complaints. But this new approach flips the script. By analyzing anonymized cellphone movement data, officials can now predict where dangerous driving is likely to happen before there’s a crash or fatality.
That means, instead of focusing solely on areas where car accidents have already occurred, law enforcement can strategically deploy patrols to high-risk areas in real time. It’s a smarter way to slow drivers down and prevent tragedy, not just clean up after it.
The data comes from mobile device features, such as GPS and movement tracking, that are already built into most smartphones. It’s completely anonymized and doesn’t track individuals. Instead, it examines patterns, such as where people tend to speed, make erratic moves, or exhibit behaviors that signal risk.
Once those patterns are identified, the Washington State Patrol can:
- Increase patrol presence in hotspot zones
- Consider installing signage or automated enforcement tools like speed cameras
- Inform future road planning and public safety campaigns
Why does this matter for preventing car accidents in Washington?
Speeding continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes in Washington and across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,775 people died in speed-related car accidents across the United States in 2023 alone.
While effective, traditional enforcement can only go so far. Officers can’t be everywhere, and crash data alone often lags behind the current danger zones. By shifting to a predictive model, Washington is embracing technology in a way that could save lives. And if it proves effective, this approach could quickly spread to other states looking for new ways to reduce crashes and improve driver behavior.
Why is speeding so dangerous?
Speeding isn’t just breaking the law; it’s putting lives at risk. The danger extends beyond simply exceeding the posted speed limit. Driving too fast for road conditions (such as rain, road construction, or poorly lit areas) can be just as deadly.
When drivers speed, they have less control over their vehicles, their stopping distance increases, and their chances of crashing skyrocket. If a crash does happen, the injuries are often more severe. It also reduces the effectiveness of safety features (such as airbags, seatbelts, and crumple zones).
Speeding also leads to many types of crashes, including:
- Rear-end collisions: Speeding drivers often don’t leave enough room to stop safely. If traffic suddenly slows or stops, they may not be able to brake in time and end up in a rear-end crash.
- Head-on collisions: A speeding driver may drift across the center line or lose control, causing them to slam into an oncoming vehicle. These crashes are often fatal or result in catastrophic injuries.
- T-bone (side-impact) accidents: Speeding through intersections can lead to T-bone crashes. These occur when one car crashes into the side of another, often with devastating consequences due to the limited protection on a vehicle’s sides.
- Rollover accidents: Speeding increases the likelihood of a rollover, especially with taller vehicles such as SUVs or trucks with a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a turn too fast or swerves to avoid something in the road, the vehicle can tip and roll.
- Single-vehicle crashes: A speeding car can easily spin out, strike a guardrail, run off the road, or crash into a tree or utility pole. Wet roads, curves, or debris can increase the likelihood of these crashes.
- Multi-car pileups: When one driver is speeding and causes a crash in high-traffic areas, it can trigger a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles.
- Pedestrian and cyclist collisions: A pedestrian hit by a car going 40 mph is far more likely to die than one hit at 25 mph. Speed often turns what could have been a near-miss into a tragedy.
Get legal help if you've been injured in a speed-related crash in Washington
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving a speeding driver in Vancouver, WA, or anywhere in Clark County, get help from a skilled lawyer who can work tirelessly for justice. The Scott Law Firm, PLLC can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, missed work, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses. You have rights, and we’re here to protect them.
During your free consultation, attorney Colin Scott will listen carefully to your story, answer your questions, and explain exactly what your legal options are. We’ll look into the details of your crash, investigate the speeding driver’s negligence, and build a strong case designed to maximize your recovery. Whether it’s negotiating with the insurance company or fighting for you in court, we’re prepared to go the distance.
Speeding is one of the top causes of serious injury and fatal crashes in Washington, and we believe reckless drivers should be held accountable. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
"Mr. Scott did an outstanding job handling my case. He is thorough, compassionate, and truly cares about his clients." - Former Client, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐