Cars That ‘Talk’ To Each Other May Help Prevent Washington Car Accidents

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on June 12, 2012

One of many new technologies aimed at making cars safer is a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system that would allow cars to “talk” to one another while on the road. Information exchanged between vehicles can be communicated to the driver to help him or her avoid an accident, according to developers.

The system connects vehicles using wireless communications networks already in place and wireless devices placed inside each vehicle. Cars within about 1,000 feet of one another trade information about 10 times per second, checking up on one another’s location, direction, and speed.

If one vehicle senses that it may be hit by another oncoming vehicle, the system alerts the driver inside the car by using flashing lights and warning sounds. The driver can then respond, even if he or she can’t see the oncoming car. For instance, if the car senses that another vehicle is approaching too fast at an upcoming intersection, it can warn the driver, who can hit the brakes and avoid an intersection crash even if vehicles, buildings, or other obstructions prevent the driver from seeing the oncoming car.

Testing of the system with live drivers will begin this summer in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Meanwhile, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently held a conference on V2V technology and continues to explore ways to use V2V communication to improve highway safety.

V2V technology may help drivers, but it remains the responsibility of every motorist to pay proper attention to the road in order to avoid accidents when possible. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, the dedicated Washington distracted driving accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can help. Call (888) 228-3860 for a complimentary consultation.