"Talking" Cars Could Prevent Crashes, according to U.S. Transportation Department

In an effort to reduce the number of car crashes and resulting deaths, the U.S. Transportation Department has proposed that cars should be able to “talk” with each other, exchanging information from up to 300 meters away.

Using short-range wireless technology, the proposed vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology should help give drivers 360-degree information regarding surrounding traffic, mapping the area around the vehicle. While some auto manufacturers have already been testing such technologies, the 400-page proposal is said to be reviewed by The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers for similarities between what”s already being developed.

“Today”s announcement is another step in our continuing effort to improve safety and advanced innovation,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “What V2V does is give drivers 360-degree awareness to avoid collisions.”

The move, which could reduce the severity of car crashes by up to 80 percent, comes as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said traffic deaths jumped 10.4 percent in the first half of 2016. The proposal also advises that data exchanged between vehicles should be updated up to 10 times per second to identify and assess risks to avoid crashes.

“V2V systems can provide another form of information about other vehicles or road hazards at greater distances and around corners,” according to The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

The great potential in terms of traffic safety, enhanced by vehicle-to-infrastructure technology, would significantly reduce the seriousness of accidents where alcohol is not a factor. Intersections and lane changing are probably two maneuvers that will become safer.

“From a safety perspective, this is a no brainer,” said Foxx.

Public comment on the submitted proposal will be accepted for 90 days, and a series of guidelines for vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity will be issued soon after.