A new sign technology is hitting the streets of Tacoma — Vehicle Activated Traffic Calming Signs. The City has a contract for 14 signs, which will be installed in various locations citywide. Tacoma will be the second city in the United States to unveil this type of signage.

“We hope that we are on the front edge of a technology with this product,”said Spencer Beier with the Public Works Department for the City of Tacoma. “Additionally, we hope this technology will aid us in our attempt to increase pedestrian and general resident safety.”

The high-tech signs are predominately black, but when a vehicle approaches at a speed higher than the posted speed limit, the sign comes to life in bright LED text. The text reflects the posted speed and flashes beacons, which instruct the driver to ‘slow down.’

Unlike signs currently being used in neighboring jurisdictions, these signs do not reflect the speed of the vehicle. The new signs are meant to serve as a prompt for drivers to be mindful of the law and watch their speedometer.

The Vehicle Activated Traffic Calming Signs also have the capability of recording traffic behavior, including speed, volume and average speed. Currently, the Public Works Department is in the process of installing 10 of the 14 signs around the city. The first 10 signs should be completely installed by the end of September. Initially, the signs are placed in stealth mode – visually turned off, but still recording vehicle data. Once the existing recording period is complete, they are switched to active mode providing visual feedback to drivers while recording any changes in driver behavior.