http://www.its.dot.gov/imagine.htm
Speeding across the pavement at 40 miles per hour, gripping the seat, watching the car in front of me coming ever so closer…all of a sudden I see lights flash, a beeping noise is heard throughout the automobile, and my seat begins to vibrate. In a matter of seconds, the car comes to an abrupt halt as the driver of my car slams on the brakes. My pulse rate calms and my breathing slowly returns to normal. Fortunately, this close-call took place on a test track as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communications for Safety demonstration.
V2V technology, also known as Connected Vehicle technology, allows vehicles to wirelessly share information with similarly equipped vehicles, allowing safety features to issue warnings to the driver when necessary. Each vehicle is equipped with a wireless device that allows it to communicate its speed and position to other, similarly equipped, connected vehicles and vice-versa. Each vehicle compares the information sent by other vehicles with its own speed and position to predict potential driving conflicts. When, based on the current speed and position, a collision is predicted, the vehicle(s) will provide a warning to the driver(s).
Currently in the research stage, this test vehicle incorporates the technology to save an untold number of lives. In the age of smartphones and texting, driver distraction can result in a driver not noticing a light has turned red or a car speeding by while pulling out into traffic. V2V technology promises to remedy these precarious and life-threatening situations by alerting drivers of possible impending vehicle conflicts.
One particularly interesting portion of the V2V demonstration was when my driver pulled up toward a large truck that was obstructing the view of the road in front of it. Just as the driver was about to pull out to go around the truck, the vibrating seat, flashing lights and beeps again took over, alerting us to the fact that another car was in process of driving past the truck on the opposite side. This “saved” us from what could have been a horrible accident had it been a real-life scenario. The driver explained that the various in-vehicle warnings are so jarring, that he hopes drivers will never become accustomed or immune to them. I also learned that the in-vehicle warnings will temporarily shut off the radio when alerts are activated, prompting full attention from the driver.
These V2V demonstrations, while a bit frightening at times, are also eye opening to the amazing, life-saving technology that assists drivers in a number of ways; from preventing crashes to reducing incident-related travel delays. How wonderful would it be if V2Vcame standard in all vehicles? Taking part in such a demonstrating does have me hoping.
To experience V2V, visit this site for more information: http://www.its.dot.gov/connected_vehicle/connected_vehicle.htm