Technology And The Middle Finger of International Goodwill

Drivers currently have a limited ability for two-way communication with fellow drivers.  We are basically reduced to the horn, facial expressions, turn signals, brake signals, hand gestures (many obscene), or rolling down the window and yelling.  Communication that is mostly reactive in nature versus communication that is proactive with an element of anticipation.  None of this makes for "intelligent" communication with an overall goal of reducing accidents and keeping  traffic moving.  This could be changing - - by late 2012, the U.S. Department of Transportation wants to start road-testing systems that enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I).

The government's top priority is to find out whether equipping vehicles with the ability to signal to each other automatically will help reduce collisions (35,000 deaths annually).  For example, when one car brakes and the car behind doesn't slow.  A V2V system could also warn a motorist stopped at an intersection when another car was heading through the intersection on a collision course at a 90-degree angle.  A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that connected-vehicle technology could help prevent up to 81% of crashes that don't involve an impaired driver.

In theory, this is how V2V would be development and implemented:

• One issue relates to standards for communication.  A consortium of automakers has agreed to a set of standards, including a decision to use a souped-up form of WiFi (5.9 gigahertz) called DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) for safety functions.
• The DSRC system creates a 360-degree, 300-meter circle of connection around a car.
• V2V is seen as taking a decade to implement via factory installed equipment.  Other options might involve embedded V2V in existing portable GPS receivers.
• Toyota thinks they have another 1.5 years of V2V development.
• Ford is currently testing V2V.  One key test is 100% reliability.
• BMU is taking V2V to another level.  The BMU system ties V2V to automatic braking.

The highway information grid is another potential connection - - V2I in which fixed sensors will collect information on traffic flow, allowing the grid to warn drivers away from jams (we waste an estimated 3.9 billion gallons of gasoline annually idling in traffic jams) through message signs or radio advisories.  Traffic signals can synchronize reds and greens to maximize flow - - and warn approaching cars of reds.  Look for the world of marketing and advertising to show an interest in V2I.

Both V2V and V2I have plenty of social, legal, and technological hurdles.  The world is moving forward with this type of technology - - Japan, South Korea, and several other countries are moving ahead with plans to invest billions in intelligent transportation systems.

Communication has changed the world - - except between vehicles.  We basically still communicate as if we drive Model Ts - - signals, facial expressions, and middle fingers.