Can YOUR Car talk?

Are Talking Cars on the Way?

WASHINGTON - For the lucky drivers who were selected to participate in Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program, the results were quite clear: adding technology that allows cars to "communicate" with each other with a Wi-Fi-like network was welcomed with open arms by more than 4 out of 5 participants. 

The clinics, which was a joint effort between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Research and Innovation Technology Administration, in addition to automakers and state/federal agencies, were conducted over a five month span between August 2011 and January 2012 in six different locations across the country.

Some automakers have been more reluctant to express their excitement for requirement implementation of new technology. However, many are suggesting that an obligation to equip newer vehicles with new electronic components that allow vehicles to communicate with each other is the most efficient way to have these products introduced to the marketplace.

"If you have the technology, and the price has gone down so much, use it," said Clarence Ditlow, Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety, a consumer group. "You aren't going to get it into the marketplace as fast as you could and save as many lives as you could unless you mandate it."

A major difference between this newly developed, communicative technology and previous auto-safety technologies is the ability to detect cars that are unable to be distinguished by laser or radar. The previous electronic equipment relied on "seeing" (though laser or radar), rather than discovering other vehicles through a wireless network so the driver can be alerted.

One major concern regarding this technology involves the wireless network aspect. Before the product can be introduced, it must be investigated to ensure that it is resistant to hacking and other issues that might affect reliability.

The joint NHTSA and RITA venture will continue with a second phase this summer, slated to be a year in duration. The experiment will monitor 3,000 vehicles equipped with the technology, and will investigate new areas of use, such as "do not pass" alerts, and an alarm for vehicles that have stopped suddenly.

Data from the pilot program will be used to determine the plausibility of the technology's implementation, and by 2013 the two agencies will decide whether the endeavor will continue to be pursued.

Sources: New DOT Research Shows Drivers Support Connected Vehicle Technology, Appreciate Potential Safety Benefits, Cars Avoid Crashes by Talking to each other 8 June, 2012