Every summer, roads across the United States become more dangerous. With schools out and families hitting the road for vacations, traffic spikes dramatically between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Unfortunately, so do speeding-related crashes. In response, a growing number of cities and transportation departments are turning to smart road technologies, i.e., systems powered by AI and cameras that detect speeding and other risky behaviors in real time.
The goal: reduce traffic fatalities by spotting problems before they become tragedies.
Smart roads use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to monitor traffic conditions in real time. Unlike traditional systems that rely on human observation or radar guns, smart road technologies can track multiple vehicles at once, detect patterns, and make automated decisions to improve safety.
Some of the key tools being used today include:
New AI software can identify speeding vehicles based on real-time video feeds, even on roads without speed cameras. These systems use machine learning to account for variables like road slope, traffic density, and vehicle type, improving accuracy over time.
When a driver is detected going significantly over the speed limit, the system can trigger a variety of warnings.
In some cities, smart roads are linked to traffic signals that adjust in real time based on traffic flow. For example, if a car is approaching an intersection at an unsafe speed, the light may turn red early to prevent a potential collision.
Early results show promise. In areas where smart road technologies have been deployed, cities have reported:
The ability to collect data around the clock has also helped planners identify high-risk areas and times of day when crashes are more likely.
However, privacy advocates have raised concerns about constant surveillance and the potential misuse of data. Most cities have responded by adopting clear data retention policies and limiting the use of footage for safety enforcement only.
The biggest impact of smart road technology is not just catching dangerous drivers but preventing the behavior altogether. According to Attorney Stephen Bridger from Phoenix, Arizona, “When people know they’re being monitored, they’re more likely to make better decisions behind the wheel.”
Stephen Bridger is a lawyer based in Phoenix, currently employed at the Pinal County Prosecutor’s Office. He focuses on prosecution and works from the state’s side to hold dangerous drivers accountable. He does not offer legal advice or represent private clients.
