When it comes to traffic management and public safety, Kustom Signals offers two powerful solutions: SMART Messaging Trailers and SMART RADAR Trailers. Both are designed to enhance road safety, manage traffic effectively, and provide critical data to municipalities, law enforcement, and traffic safety teams. While both types of trailers serve valuable purposes, they cater to slightly different applications.
Below, we’ll look at the features, advantages, and potential drawbacks of each type to help you decide which one best suits your situation and needs.
SMART Messaging Trailers
SMART messaging trailers are versatile communication tools designed to deliver customizable information and directions to drivers while providing RADAR feedback too. These variable LED message trailers are capable of displaying unique text for a variety of situations and locations.
Advantages
- Customizable Messaging – SMART trailers allow for real-time updates, making them perfect for dynamic traffic scenarios like roadwork, detours, or emergencies.
- Wide Visibility – Bright, full-matrix displays ensure high visibility in both daytime and nighttime conditions.
- Remote Control Capabilities – Many models can be controlled remotely with optional modems, allowing operators to change messages quickly without having to access the trailer in person.
- Enhanced Communication – The ability to combine text with graphics (e.g., arrows or symbols) improves driver understanding and response.
- Data Collection Options – Some SMART trailers can integrate with sensors to collect traffic data such as vehicle counts and speeds.
RADAR Trailers
RADAR trailers, as the name suggests, focus on displaying real-time speed data to drivers. These trailers feature a built-in radar system that measures vehicle speeds and displays them prominently on the trailer’s LED screen.
Advantages
- Real-Time Speed Feedback – Drivers are immediately made aware of their speed, encouraging compliance with posted limits.
- Cost-Effective Solution – Typically less expensive than SMART messaging trailers, RADAR trailers are ideal for departments with tight budgets.
- Traffic Data Collection – Many RADAR trailers incorporate traffic data collection, including speed averages and vehicle counts, which can be analyzed later.
- Compact Design – RADAR trailers are often more lightweight and easier to deploy.
Choosing Your Kustom Signals Trailer Solution
In one case study (Police1), centered on the city of Greenwich, Connecticut, the local police department fThe choice between SMART Messaging trailers and RADAR trailers largely depends on your specific needs and the types of traffic management challenges your organization faces.
When to Choose SMART Messaging Trailers
A SMART messaging trailer is the right choice if you need to communicate detailed, dynamic messages for roadwork, emergencies, or public safety campaigns. Messaging trailers are ideal for municipalities, road maintenance teams, and emergency response units that frequently deal with temporary road closures, construction zones, or rapidly changing traffic conditions. Event organizers also benefit from these trailers to manage traffic flow and provide directions during large gatherings.
High visibility, adaptability, and remote control capabilities make SMART Messaging trailers indispensable for situations that require real-time updates and proactive communication.
- Variable Message Signs: VMS I
- Variable Message Signs: VMS II/HT
- Variable Message Signs: VMS III
- Variable Message Signs: VMS IV
When to Choose RADAR Trailers
If your main goal is speed enforcement and encouraging drivers to comply with posted speed limits, a RADAR trailer is probably the best choice for you. Law enforcement agencies, school districts, and neighborhood associations are among the primary users of RADAR trailers. These trailers are particularly effective in areas prone to speeding, such as school zones, residential neighborhoods, and highways with frequent speeding complaints.
For organizations on a tighter budget or those prioritizing driver feedback and data collection, RADAR trailers offer a practical and reliable solution.
Contact Kustom Signals for guidance in selecting the right trailer solution for your needs.