Ohio is implementing a new warning system designed to reduce car crashes in congested traffic areas. Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation Executive Director announced the launch of these automatic traffic queue warning systems across the state.
The system utilizes cameras placed near congested highway areas to detect slowed or stopped traffic. When congestion is detected, the camera sends a signal to a board located a few miles ahead, alerting drivers to slow down.
Additionally, the system sends signals to traffic apps, providing further notification to drivers. Governor DeWine emphasized that the primary goal of this technology is to prevent end-of-queue crashes, which occur when vehicles fail to slow down or stop in time, resulting in rear-end collisions.
The first system was activated on I-70 in Licking County, near the site of a tragic November crash involving a charter bus carrying public school students. Following this activation, plans are in place to install 12 more systems around Ohio’s major cities.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is also exploring additional locations across the state that could benefit from these warning systems. This initiative reflects Ohio’s commitment to improving highway safety and reducing the occurrence of accidents in congested traffic areas.