Starting today, drivers along northbound Interstate 5 to Seattle have have a series of new Smarter Highway signs to follow, in an effort by the state Department of Transportation to reduce traffic congestion and crashes, as well as to keep traffic moving.
State crews are activating the new overhead, electronic signs Aug. 10 over each northbound lane on I-5 between Boeing Access Road and I-90.
The signs will alert drivers to change lanes when an incident blocks traffic ahead or to adjust their speed before they reach slower-moving traffic, according to a State Patrol media release.
Giving drivers advance notice to slow down to a specific speed before they reach the point where the traffic stops will prevent panic braking that often leads to rear end collisions and reduce secondary collisions after an initial incident occurs.
The State Patrol is asking drivers to get ready to use this new traffic management system so they know what to do when the sign above their lane shows a reduced speed limit or a symbol.
For more information, go to www.smarterhighways.com.
The State Patrol reports that the information on the signs is not a suggestion. The signs have regulatory force behind them. That means that if a driver chooses to ignore the reduced speed limit, or travels in a closed lane, they can be issued a ticket.
But troopers expect drivers will follow the signs because they will recognize the benefit. The system will help move traffic past a collision more efficiently and improve drivers’ safety and the safety of others.
The signs will allow drivers adequate time to recognize a potential hazard and to react safely, according to the State Patrol.
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