Fed Aims to Require Cars “Talk” to Eachother

The Obama administration plans to propose a mandate that would require cars be able to “talk” to one another.

Such vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication could eliminate 4 out of every 5 crashes that don’t involve a drunk or impaired driver.

The technology lets cars transmit location, speed and direction data 10 times every second.  The computers in other cars pick up the signal to improve reaction time.  In some cases, the cars could brake automatically.

Other actions like turning or stepping on the gas would also be communicated in a way that lets other cars react more quickly than relying on human reflexes, said CNN.

The technology could be used in autonomous cars, but also to help human drivers.

“The results could be nothing short of revolutionary for roadway safety,” said the acting chief of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) David Friedman Monday.

V2V technology would add between $100 to $200 to the cost of a car, said the AP. And most car makers are in favor of the technology, but have been waiting for a signal from the government that the technology will be supported, reported POLITICO.

First NHTSA will publish the results of a year-long pilot program for the technology.  Then it is expected to publish a report on the technology and receive public comments and then draft a proposal to mandate V2V devices in all vehicles by a certain date that has not been determined.

A blog by Strategy Analytics’ Roger Lanctot said the Fed action should expand to trucks and commercial vehicles to have a true impact.

Source: AP via Yahoo Autos, POLITICO, CNN Money