Washington State Patrol pilots program to decrease collisions on highways

Washington State Patrol (WSP) is testing the Safety Cloud technology, designed to significantly reduce highway collisions by providing real-time alerts to motorists when emergency lights are activated. The alerts appear on popular navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps, as well as on newer car dashboards. WSP indicates that this technology can decrease collision risks by up to 90%, giving drivers essential extra time to respond. Project Manager Haley Shipman highlighted that the Safety Cloud bridges the gap between legal requirements and actual road conditions, enhancing safety for both personnel and the public. The pilot program is currently being conducted in North Bend, located 30 miles east of Seattle, with future expansion possibilities.

This initiative aims to address preventable roadside line-of-duty deaths by combining advanced technology with public awareness campaigns. Thousands of agencies across the country, including some regional fire departments, already utilize this technology. Ultimately, the program seeks to foster safer roads for all users in Washington.