Car-to-car communications may result in safer vehicles

March 07, 2014 (Press-News.org) In recent years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun working with automakers to develop technologies that would allow cars to communicate with each other. Although this sort of technology may seem to be a simple novelty, government safety experts and automakers believe it may be the next big step in improving highway safety. Indeed, many believe that these sorts of technologies can help prevent serious car accidents.

Recently, the NHTSA announced that it would move forward with a proposal to require new cars to come equipped with systems that allow vehicles to communicate with each other to avoid an impending collision. Vehicles with these systems would send radio signals to each other indicating information including speed and direction. If a vehicle's computer determined that a collision was likely, it would alert the driver. Some systems might even automatically apply the brakes if a driver was too slow to respond.

Experts are optimistic about the potential for these systems to prevent accidents. For example, this technology would allow vehicles to tell whether similarly equipped vehicles were about to run a red light. The system would provide an alert, too, if cars ahead in traffic collided or otherwise stopped suddenly.

While improving safety is the primary purpose of these sorts of systems, there are other benefits, as well. Similar systems could be installed in traffic lights to alert drivers of congestion or highway maintenance. When couple with GPS information, vehicles could show drivers the quickest way to get to their destinations.

Overall, the NHTSA estimates that these sorts of wireless communications systems could prevent up to 80 percent of accidents not caused by alcohol or unavoidable mechanical problems.

Automakers currently have 90 days to respond to the NHTSA proposal. Although many manufacturers are excited about the potential of the new technology, some significant concerns remain. For example, the extent to which these systems would affect the price of new cars remains unclear. Critics point out, too, that these systems will only be effective if a large number of cars on the road have the technology installed.

Though the hurdles may be significant, the changes required by the NHTSA proposal would not become effective for several years. That may provide enough time for engineers to develop solutions to these problems.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may have a claim for compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and more. Speak to a personal injury attorney for more information.

Article provided by LBG Law Firm
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