It wasn’t that long ago that we were introduced to “The Jetsons” on TV and received just a glimpse of the futuristic technology that was bound to come around in our lifetime. Everything from home robots to automatic coffee pots, moving sidewalks to jetpacks. But one of the most futuristic things we remember from the show was the Jetson’s futuristic “flying automobiles.”
While our vehicles may not fly (yet), today we have more and more options available to us and cutting edge technology on the verge of becoming commonplace that will help us navigate the world around us more safely. From backup cameras to GPS technology, the ability to watch movies, talk on your phone through a hands free system, and being able to automatically start your car by remote, every year cars become more and more technologically advanced.
Enter the time when we see the future of vehicle-to-vehicle communications (V2V)—cars that actually have the ability to wirelessly exchange information about the speed and position of other vehicles, pedestrians, and other “obstructions” around us. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been working with the automotive industry and academia for more than a decade in the advancement of V2V’s that could have potential lifesaving capabilities.
As we look ahead to the next stage of futuristic roadway technology and overall auto safety, V2V communication technology is proving to be an important advancement in transforming the way we travel. Using V2V technology, cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and even trains could one day communicate important information to one another that can help save lives, prevent injuries, ease traffic congestion, and improve the environment.
V2V technology has the means to provide 360° communication with drivers in regards to other similarly equipped vehicles within a range of 984 feet. Drivers receive warnings of potential hazards by tone, seat vibrations, and even through visual communication. These warnings help drivers to better respond to potential threats faster, thus eliminating crashes. For example, the “Intersection Movement Assist” and “Do Not Pass Assist” will help notify drivers when it is unsafe to enter an intersection or to pass another vehicle on an open roadway. There is also a blind spot warning that can warn a driver when another vehicle is present in his or her blindspot. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other apps available to help eliminate “human errors” and overall crashes with these types of systems. In addition to these apps, eventually vehicles won’t just talk to each other, but to stop signs, traffic lights, crosswalks, and more. They will have the capability to communicate with your house, office, and other smart devices.
We have barely touched the surface of where technology will take us in the near future as far as the safety of our vehicles and in protecting ourselves as well as those around us. What’s clear right now is that science and technology are leading the way and the future of the auto industry has a lot of growing up and adapting to do that could help bring every state to zero fatalities.
Click here for more information on V2V Communications.