How predictive data can reduce driving accidents and deaths

Smartphones and connected vehicle data can help traffic safety officials spot and fix accident hot spots, says a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association and Cambridge Mobile Telematics.

SmartCitiesDive

Dan Zukowski

Sept. 22, 2025

Dive Brief:

• Predictive data can help states, counties and cities identify and mitigate driver behaviors that lead to crashes, according to a Sept. 18 report from the Governors Highway Safety Association and Cambridge Mobile Telematics.

• Anonymized telematics data can reveal patterns of phone distraction, hard braking or speeding that can often be addressed with low-cost, quick fixes such as repainting crosswalks and adding or repositioning warning and stop signs.

• The report urges states and transportation departments to enact and enforce proven safety laws such as those for hands-free phone use and seat-belt use.

Dive Insight:

Traffic fatalities in the U.S. began to rise sharply in 2020. Safety organizations have attributed this to speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving, coupled with a decline in traffic law enforcement. 

View the full article: SmartCitiesDive.com