ST. PAUL — Digital message signs that currently hang above Minnesota freeways are now being used to encourage good behavior behind the wheel by flashing statistics about the consequences of unsafe driving.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is rolling out the new messages this week to some of its 150 digital message signs.

Those signs are typically used to warn about road conditions and traffic jams as well as for Amber Alerts.

Now they’ll be used to highlight the benefits of seat belt use, driving sober and at safe speeds, and paying attention.

The signs will share information about Minnesota traffic fatalities. In 2012, 395 people were killed on Minnesota roads which is a 7 percent increase from the previous year. And 2013 deaths so far this year are ahead of the previous.