Thanks to the generous support of the Kiefer Foundation, Catholic Central is proud to announce that a SmartSign was installed on our campus on Thursday, May 1. This addition is designed to promote safe driving behaviors among our students, parents, and visitors.

“Detroit Catholic Central High School is leading by example. By welcoming new technology and prioritizing student safety, Detroit Catholic Central is setting the standard for how schools can actively participate in saving lives and fostering a safer future for all,” shared The Kiefer Foundation. 

About The SmartSign

The SmartSign is a digital sign, similar to a radar sign, that detects unsafe behaviors, such as speeding, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. The sign displays the message that is most relevant to the driver. The sign system uses a special designed sensor that leverages microwave and infrared technology. The sensor operates in real time, similar to speed detection sensors. SmartSigns serve as an immediate and powerful reminder to encourage safe driving behaviors.

The SmartSign will display real-time reminders encouraging drivers to slow down, buckle up, and put their phones away, messages that strongly align with Catholic Central’s commitment to safety, responsibility, and care for our community. Beyond displaying safety reminders, the SmartSign features technology that can detect and monitor key unsafe driving behaviors, including:

• Distracted Driver Detection
• Seat Belt Detection
• Speed Detection

“At The Kiefer Foundation, our mission is to end distracted driving and all associated traffic deaths and injuries, with a focus on our three pillars of awareness, policy, and technology. Installing the SmartSign at Detroit Catholic Central High School aligns with our commitment to protecting young drivers and promoting safer communities. We believe that early intervention and positive reinforcement can help shape lifelong safe driving habits. By installing the SmartSign on campus, we hope to create awareness among students, staff, and families about the dangers of distracted driving — and more importantly, help change behaviors before tragedy strikes,” The Kiefer Foundation shared. 

The SmartSign is a solution that addresses three of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents: distracted driving, speeding, and failure to wear a seatbelt. Research shows that feedback signs like this one can significantly change driver behavior. In fact, studies have shown that distracted driving can be reduced by up to 32% over a four-week period when drivers are given real-time feedback.

The sign will collect information on driving habits around campus, helping Catholic Central make more informed decisions about campus safety measures in the future. School leadership will have access to a cloud-enabled dashboard through mid-June, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of the program’s impact.

Data and results The Kiefer Foundation is looking for includes:

• Reduce the number of drivers observed using handheld devices in and around campus.
• Increase overall driver awareness about the risks of distracted driving.
• Establish measurable behavioral changes, especially among student drivers, by providing real-time feedback when distracted driving is detected.
• Support future advocacy efforts by demonstrating the effectiveness of technology-based interventions like SmartSign.
• We also hope this installation can serve as a model for other schools and communities looking to take proactive steps to reduce distracted driving.

The SmartSign installation at Detroit Catholic Central High School is intended to serve as a pilot project for this technology to become integrated into communities across the State of Michigan. The sign will remain on campus for an 8-week period.

The SmartSign was successfully installed by Tim Hogan of Safer Street Solutions, a company dedicated to improving roadway safety through innovative technologies. Their partnership in the installation process ensured the SmartSign was set up quickly and effectively, allowing Catholic Central to begin collecting valuable data and promoting safer driving behaviors without delay.

"The Kiefer Foundation is proud to partner with Detroit Catholic Central to bring the SmartSign to campus. Distracted driving is one of the most serious threats to young drivers today, and by installing this innovative technology, we are sending a clear message: driving demands your full attention. We believe this proactive approach will not only help keep Detroit Catholic Central students safer but will also inspire a broader culture of mindfulness and responsibility. When you are behind the wheel, put your phones down and #JustDrive." — Steve Kiefer, Father of Mitchel Kiefer, Class of 2016 + Chairman, The Kiefer Foundation.

We are grateful to the Kiefer Foundation for supporting this project and for helping Catholic Central promote a safer environment for students, staff, and visitors!