Soon automobiles may be able to communicate in order to warn drivers of forthcoming dangers. Automakers and the governments alike are both looking seriously at the new technology. If implemented, this system has the potential to greatly reduce highway accidents and fatalities.
System more accurate than radar
This new technology, which is reportedly more accurate than radar, uses specialized GPS and WiFi technologies. The system will communicate up to 900 feet 360 degrees around it with a signal every 10 seconds. With the technology, the driver is notified of possible hazards. There are lights and beeps used to do this.
Future of automakers
It has taken over a decade for Ford to get this technology figured out. Ford’s vice president of sustainability, environment and safety engineering is Sue Cischke. “Ford believes intelligent vehicles that talk to each other through advanced WiFi are the next frontier of collision avoidance innovations that could revolutionize the driving experience,” she said.
'Road Trains’ resting happening
Recently, Volvo was in a “road train” test. It was successful for the first time. Road trains, formed through a process known as “platooning,” involve autos that are electronically tethered so that they can mimic the action of one another. This provides for a more efficient and safe flow of traffic.
“Platooning offers the prospect of improved road safety, better road space utilization, improved driver comfort on long journeys and reduced fuel consumption and hence CO2 emissions,” said Tom Robinson, spokesperson for the project.
Not as many individuals hurt
Peter Appel said “This technology has the potential to save a lot of lives.” Appel is at the DOT as the administrator of Research and Innovative Technology Administration. According to the DOT, the system might reduce traffic accidents considerably. Without narcotics and alcohol involvement, accidents could go down as much as 80 percent.
Cost factors
Adding the technology to the car doesn’t cost much at all. It can be as little as $100 per car to add. The system’s low cost would allow manufacturers to put it in both luxury and economy models.
Getting technology before 2013 possible requirement
Driver Acceptance Clinics will be done by the United States DOT starting in August in six United States cities. The DOT hopes to that the technology will be put in thousands of automobiles soon after the clinics are done. The technology could become mandatory as early as 2013, when federal officials are scheduled to make their decision.
Citations
MSNBC
editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1184897
Washington Post
washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/25/AR2011012506232.html
Wired
wired.com/autopia/2011/01/talking-cars-are-coming-soon-to-keep-us-safe/
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