The Washington Department of Transportation will fit Puget Sound highways with a new system that responds to traffic conditions to guide drivers to a safer and smoother journey.

The system, Active Traffic Management, uses a network of sensors and electronic signs that automatically inform the drivers about traffic jams and traffic speeds.

The drivers can then decide their route accordingly as well as adjust their speed before they reach slower-moving traffic.

The system is expected to reduce rear-end collisions, inform drivers about alternative routes early on and encourage smooth lane shifting caused by incidents such as stalls or collisions.

Three busy corridors in the state, the northbound I-5, SR 520 and I-90, will be equipped with the technology with operations beginning next summer.