The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has found a new tool in the fight against speeding—and it’s something most people carry with them everywhere: their cell phones. As KREM 2 News reporter Shannon Moudy explained, WSP is now deploying extra patrols along specific stretches of highway based on driver behavior data collected from phones. The information doesn’t name names, but it tracks where people brake suddenly, accelerate hard, or use their phones while driving. And now, it’s being used to crack down.
Data Pinpoints Hotspots on I-90
According to Moudy’s report, the stretch of I-90 between Highway 2 and Sullivan Road in Spokane, Washington, has been identified as a speeding trouble zone. This 14-mile section is getting extra patrols through July 31. Sergeant Greg Riddell of WSP says the agency isn’t tracking drivers in real time, yet, but the data from Michelin Mobility Intelligence is helping them focus on high-risk areas.
“It’s given us that added tool to be in the areas we need to be,” Riddell told Moudy.
How the Data Is Collected and Used
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) purchased the data, which comes from Michelin’s mobility tech division. The data reportedly includes over one million cell phone users across the state and shows trends in where people tend to speed, brake suddenly, or engage in distracted driving. According to WTSC acting director Shelly Baldwin, this data is meant to be “predictive,” helping police anticipate where future violations or accidents may occur, not just reflect past behavior.
No Names – For Now
Both Moudy and attorney Steve Lehto emphasize that the data is anonymized, at least for now. As Sergeant Riddell reassured drivers, “We don’t have people’s personal information… so hopefully people aren’t thinking it’s a big brother thing.” But as attorney and YouTube commentator Steve Lehto notes, this might just be the beginning.
Steve Lehto: “This Is a Slippery Slope”
Lehto, host of the Lehto’s Law podcast, doesn’t think the current use of cell phone data is too concerning, yet. But he warns that this could easily lead down a dangerous road. If law enforcement finds it helpful to know where people are speeding, it’s not a huge leap to imagine them asking who those drivers are next.
“Is this the first step down a long road,” Lehto asks, “or is this exactly the extent of it?”
Could This Go Further Than Speeding?
Lehto brings up another worry: insurance companies. Many already offer discounts for drivers who allow tracking devices in their cars. But what if they buy this anonymized data too? Or worse – what if law enforcement or insurers unmask the data and start using it to fine or penalize people after the fact? That opens the door to serious privacy issues, Lehto warns.
“Predictive” or Just Looking in the Rearview?
Another question Lehto raises is whether using 2023 data can actually be considered predictive. “I can predict the past,” he jokes, pointing out the irony in calling old data futuristic. He also questions how accurate the tracking is, noting personal experiences where GPS signals were thrown off by tall buildings, making it look like he zigzagged when he ran in a straight line.
Not Real-Time… Yet
Moudy confirms that WSP is not tracking drivers live. Right now, they’re using the data only to decide where to place troopers during emphasis patrols. That means no direct enforcement based on a single phone’s behavior, for now. But the tools are available, and the temptation to go further could be strong.
“The biggest thing we’re looking for in this emphasis is zero tolerance for 15 miles an hour over the speed limit, and distracted driving,” said Riddell.
The Database Is Growing Fast
Shelly Baldwin of WTSC told Moudy that the state is “building a huge database of information” in near-real time. While the goal is reducing fatal crashes and injuries, it’s clear this project isn’t just a one-off. With ongoing funding and access to even more data, the state could expand this type of location-based policing across Washington.
A Useful Tool, But Handle with Care
From a safety perspective, the plan makes sense. If a certain highway stretch has a high rate of distracted driving, targeting it with extra patrols could save lives. But it’s easy to see how this turns into a surveillance problem. If someone knows where I’ve been, how fast I was going, and what I was doing behind the wheel, even anonymously, that’s data that could be abused, especially if the protections around it get weaker over time.
Once the Door’s Open, Can You Shut It?
The problem isn’t that police are trying to prevent crashes. It’s that this kind of data-driven enforcement might keep creeping forward. First, it’s “just trends.” Then maybe it’s ticketing anonymous devices. And eventually, someone wants to match the phone to the driver. As Lehto puts it: “Who’s to say it won’t happen that way?”
A Cautionary Future for Everyone with a Smartphone
This is one of those stories where the technology gets ahead of the law. It’s not hard to imagine a future where cops, insurers, or even tech companies know more about how we drive than we do. Washington may be the first to test this model statewide, but if it proves successful or profitable, other states will surely follow.
So for now, drive safe. And keep an eye on your phone – not just for texts, but for what it might be quietly sharing about you behind the scenes.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.