Making intersections safer for everyone
Speeding is a major cause of accidents at intersections. That's where Safer Signals comes in - a program designed to manage traffic lights in a way that helps reduce speeding and makes intersections safer for both drivers and pedestrians.
The challenge
It is a strategic goal of the State of Minnesota to reduce serious traffic injuries and fatalities. Data from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) shows that nearly half of all fatal and serious injury accidents involve intersections. The same report also identifies speed and pedestrians as additional factors that are closely connected.
How this solution works
Safer Signals focuses on times when traffic is lighter - like late at night - when speeding is more common. Using sensors, the system checks if cars are obeying the speed limit as they approach an intersection. Safe drivers can pass through smoothly with little or no wait, while those speeding are made to stop.
Positive changes ahead
We’re testing Safer Signals in a few spots in Ramsey County. The results of these pilots will be shared with other state and local organizations to compare notes and learn from the findings. Similar programs have been used successfully in places like Portland, OR and Albuquerque, NM.
If our program proves successful, we may use it in additional areas where our data shows it's needed most. We expect to provide an update in early 2026.
