Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill expediting the research and development of a statewide earthquake early warning system that has potential to save lives.

The warning system is designed to detect the first shock waves from an earthquake, and alert people before the slower but devastating waves spread. Once the system is ready, Californians will be getting warnings through cellphones, radios and or other devices.

The state’s current prototype is called ShakeAlert. This system can also have control of traffic lights to slow down traffics. An early warning can save lives through allowing trains to slow down, stopping people from entering tunnel or crossing a bridge, slow down traffic, and children in school to find safe cover.