Auto Vehicles Talking To Each Other
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) and President Obama’s Administration is working with auto manufacturers on a vehicle to vehicle communication technology. The communication (“V2V”) platform technology will allow cars and other vehicles to talk to each other to help save lives. This technological information is important to the NHTSA because of the following features:
- avoid crashes altogether
- save lives, prevent injuries
- it will lessen traffic congestion
- eco-friendly
- exchange basic safety data, i.e., speed and positions.
A pilot test has been completed on 3,000 V2V equipped cars in Michigan. The NHTSA believes that this communication system can prevent 70% to 80% of vehicle crashes. The head of the NHTSA strongly supports a V2V system to prevent accidents and possible deaths, because as he states – the United States is too advanced for all of the nationwide traffic accident problems.
V2V Features
A communication system will use an ad hoc network platform, the “VANET” system will allow cars within that network to share road information. The VANET is also known as a vehicular ad hoc network. A vehicle to vehicle communication system will use a GPS receiver, a radio, antenna and a computer to share location and movement data with other equally equipped vehicles, up to a quarter of a mile away. Auto manufacturers who are working together to develops this technology, includes:
- Audi
- BMW
- Daimler
- General Motors
- Honda
- Volvo
Communication Via Alert Signal
The V2V equipped cars are going to be announced in 2017 before President Obama leaves office. Its roll-out design is to begin actual working applications by 2020. Simply put, the V2V system would warn, but not take control of the car. It would warn drivers about possible collisions or other road hazards. The operative word is “warn,” not control a car. Future advancements for a vehicle to vehicle system would be to merge this system with self-driving cars, allowing them to brake or steer around obstacles more efficiently.
In 2020, the release of the first version of the V2V warning system would entail sending an alert to drivers. This may be in the form of a flashing amber or red light depending on the seriousness of the road conditions. This alert signal alert would be programmed into the instrument panel. Additional features can involve giving drivers the exact direction of the roadway threat, speed conditions, traffic congestion or bridge and tunnel restrictions.
V2V and V2I
Privacy issues have been addressed. The communication technology will not record, receive or send any personal information. It will operate on a dedicated wireless spectrum called the “DSRC.” it will be an open platform to allow all vehicles from every auto manufacturer to communicate with each other. A public rulemaking notice will be available for public comment and review before it moves forward in the regulatory process.
Other entities working together on the V2V system, includes high-tech providers, universities and research institutes. A V2I system to work with the V2V system, involves road signs, traffic lights or even the roads themselves. Future advanced systems may also employ V2I or vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. The V2V and V2I combination language will be referred to as V2X.
