WSDOT crash data indicate that more than 17 percent of traffic casualties result from drivers’ inability to respond in time to roadway hazards. To address this problem, the University of Washington STAR Lab has developed the Smart Road Sticker. This innovative device leverages V2X (vehicle-to-everything) technology to communicate in real time with surrounding road infrastructure to gather and deliver roadway hazard information. Based on that information it can provide real-time emergency alerts, thereby improving driver response times and reducing the risk of accidents. The objectives of this project include finalizing the Road Sticker’s design and development by optimizing the hardware for durability, visibility, and modularity; conducting extensive field testing under various weather and traffic conditions; and integrating mobile and localized control systems for seamless operation. A pilot program will be deployed in high-priority locations such as accident-prone areas, highway ramps, and construction zones to test inter-device communication and gather feedback from traffic safety agencies and local governments. By incorporating this cutting-edge technology into Washington state’s transportation network, the project will improve emergency response efficiency on state roadways and reduce accident rates in critical zones.
Principal Investigator: Yinhai Wang, Civil and Environmental Engineering, UW
Sponsor: WSDOT
WSDOT Technical Monitor: Justin Belk
WSDOT Project Coordinator: Shervin Jahangirnejad
Scheduled completion: June 2027