Drivers in King County prone to speeding, using cellphones or not wearing seat belts, be warned: Smart signs are watching.
How it works: Under a pilot program, four signs with sensors that use microwave and infrared technology to detect driver behaviors are being placed at a variety of locations in King County, according to a statement from the King County Target Zero Coalition.
The signs, which drivers may see from now through July, will flash appropriate cautionary messages such as "BUCKLE UP" or "PHONE DOWN" in real time.
Good drivers, however, may get a smiley face, KUOW reports.
Each sign will remain at one location for about eight weeks, per the county coalition.
Among the cities and neighborhoods participating in the campaign are: Seattle, Maple Valley, White Center, Skyway, Kenmore, Issaquah and Newcastle.
The first locations will include Front Street in Issaquah and Airport Way in Seattle, per the Seattle Times.
By the numbers: Traffic deaths rose 11% in Washington last year even as deaths nationwide decreased by 3.6%, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics.
In King County, more than 900 people were seriously injured or killed in traffic collisions last year, per the coalition.
What they're saying: When left in one area over four weeks, the signs reduce distracted driving by up to 40%, SaferStreet Solutions CEO Tim Hogan said in a written statement.
