DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) is accepting entries through June 30 for its Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Video Challenge: a new national competition highlighting innovative ways local communities use smart transportation technology to improve safety, mobility, and the environment.

RITA is seeking original videos of proven ITS technologies already in use. It will accept videos submitted by state and local governments, transit agencies, private firms, and even students who want to showcase smart technologies that excite them.

Each submission must focus on one example of ITS deployment in a community, which could include uses for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit and freight vehicles, or any combination of these. Examples include traffic signals that give priority to transit vehicles; road weather sensors that provide real-time information about icy bridges, wet roads, fog, and other road hazards; and curve warning systems that alert vehicles when they are approaching a curve too fast.

Competition rules and additional details can be found online.

The grand prize winner will receive a travel package to the Institute of Transportation Engineers 2011 Annual Meeting and Exhibit, Aug. 13-16 in St. Louis. The best overall video will be shown during the event’s main luncheon and selected videos will be posted on a consolidated web site.