This blog was submitted to the WBA by the United States Department of Transportation.
Imagine a transportation system in which cars can see things that you can’t. These cars could warn of a potential crash or icy roads ahead, advise of a traffic jam ahead, or help find a parking space.
Wireless Connectivity allows cars to be continuously aware of each other so when one car breaks suddenly cars several yards behind the vehicle get a safety warning before they get too close.
In such a system, buses could tell if you will make your next connection, mapping software could indicate the greenest travel route, and cell phones could communicate with traffic signals so disabled pedestrians can safely cross an intersection.
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, connected vehicle technology has the potential to address more than 80% of vehicle accidents in the U.S.
Connected Vehicle Warning Devices can help drivers avoid serious lane change crashes.
These developments are closer than you think through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) connected vehicle research. Connected vehicles combine leading-edge technologies (GPS, Wi-Fi, wireless sensors, and dedicated short-range communications) to enable high-speed, real-time communication among vehicles, roadside infrastructure, and mobile devices. U.S. DOT Program Manager Walt Fehr, will be discussing this exciting new technology during the Wi-Fi Global Congress in San Jose.
To learn more about Connected Vehicles, please visit http://www.its.dot.gov/cv_basics/index.htm
All images courtesy of the US Department of Transportation.
