Siemens is installing rear-facing digital media panels in its technicians’ vans across the country in an effort to help enhance driver safety, and overall road safety, the company said. 

Road Runner Media, a digital out of home media company, announced a contract with Siemens to install the rear-facing Road Runner digital media panels, the company said. The digital screens will enhance safety by serving as an oversized digital brake light and turn indicator while also having the capability to display public service announcements and advertiser messaging.

Siemens, an infrastructure solutions and services provider, had been piloting Road Runner’s network on 16 vehicles in 3 markets during 2019 and 2020. Following a successful implementation and trial, the company expects to have 1,000 Road Runner screens activated on vans used by service technicians by the end of the first year of the contract.

“Safety is of paramount importance, as an average of 2,500 Siemens technicians are on the road each day across the U.S., servicing our customers,” said Dana Soukup, president solutions & services region Americas, Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “During the pilot phase, we experienced the ability of Road Runner’s patented technology to create safer travel conditions and reduce accidents. We are looking forward to bringing that capability to more drivers and vans across our national markets.”

Road Runner screens feature the company’s patented Vehicle Operational Indicator technology, which integrates with the driver’s cockpit to allow the connected screens to act as a 46-inch high-resolution, LCD Digital Brake Light, alerting surrounding drivers when the vehicle operator brakes, selects turn signals, reverses, or activates emergency flashers. The Samsung ruggedized screens are highly visible day and night. When vehicle operations are not displayed, the screens can display a wide range of content, from brand advertising to Amber Alerts or any other critical public safety information.

“The commitment Siemens has made to significantly expand their fleet of Road Runner-equipped vans is a tremendous validation of our network as we continue to scale and expand,” said Chris Riley, Road Runner CEO. “With Road Runner digital screens installed and operational, Siemens will help enhance their own drivers’ safety, and road safety in general, reducing insurance costs for the company while also sharing relevant and timely messaging with the traveling public. We are excited to have the opportunity to extend and advance this global strategic partnership.”