And could talking cars save lives?
For years, auto safety engineers have dreamt of a day when cars would be able to communicate with each other, giving onboard computers the ability to alert drivers to dangers on the road. That technology has been dubbed “v2v” (vehicle to vehicle).
Well, with the release of a new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, the Federal Government has just taken another step towards mandating the installation of this futuristic technology in all cars beginning in 2017.
So what is v2v and how would it work?
Three thousand prototype systems are now in the test phase in Ann Arbor, Michigan using onboard dedicated short-range radio communication devices that send messages about a vehicle’s speed, brake status, and direction to other vehicles in the immediate area. Computers built into the prototypes analyze all signals received from surrounding short-range radios and alert drivers to any immediate dangers.
Will this technology really work?
That question remains to be answered. The concept works well on the open road – but what about in urban areas with many vehicles in an area?
Will it saves lives?
Perhaps. Sadly though – most fatal car crashes involve single vehicles and not multiple cars.
What will it cost?
The Federal Government is estimating that the new systems will add about $345 to the cost of new vehicles.
Do the car manufacturers approve?
That may be the greatest sticking point. There are some that worry that these new systems will expose them to more legal risks because these systems will rely on information from other vehicles they do not control.
Will technology ever completely remove driver error from car travel? Only time will tell.
If you or a loved one are ever injured in a car accident, know that the Connecticut car accident lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have been assisting people just like you for almost 60 years. And we’ve received both state and national recognition for our work in this area. If you’re ever in a car accident of any kind and would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut car accident lawyers, please contact us. There is no obligation. And – there is no fee or other costs unless we are successful on your behalf.