Vehicle to Vehicle Communication Technology
As the number of traffic accidents continues to increase each year, national traffic safety experts pressure automakers to design vehicles with the latest in collision avoidance systems. New computer technology has been introduced that allows vehicles to communicate with each other and the surrounding infrastructure, promising to aid in regulating traffic and preventing car accidents and injuries.
Vehicle to Vehicle Systems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been working on developing rules and guidelines for the use of vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communications technology since 2014. V2V and Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) systems allow cars to “talk” to one another, relaying information from traffic signals within a 900-mile radius. Information on traffic conditions, signal changes, vehicle speed and performance enable the vehicle’s automatic collision avoidance systems to help prevent car accidents and injuries.
According to PC World, the system relies on Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), a two way wireless communication technology designed specifically for the automotive industry. Functioning in the same way as Wi-Fi, it allows communication with other DSRC enabled vehicles and devices. In addition to anticipating hazards and activating collision warning systems, DSRC could help improve fuel efficiency, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve driving times by providing the following benefits for motorists:
- Providing information on the amount of time left before a traffic signal turns green or red
- Letting you know the optimum speed to travel on a particular stretch of road to avoid stopping at red lights
- Calculating road conditions and delays and advising alternate routes
The more cars that are equipped with DSRC, the better the system will work, and the NHTSA is proposing a rule that would require automakers to include it as a standard feature on all newly manufactured vehicles.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Concerns Over Privacy and Hacking
While there is no debate on the potential DSRC has for preventing traffic accidents, there are concerns over driver privacy and the risks associated with the system being hacked. The non-profit consumer advocacy group Public Knowledge has filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish guidelines for DSRC concerning cybersecurity and privacy protection. The group is asking the FCC to implement the following measures:
- Limit DSRC to safety uses only and prevent automakers from monetizing the technology by enabling the system to feature advertising or allow for automated payments
- Require automakers to have an adequate cyber security plan in place before the system is activated
- Provide complete disclosure to drivers on the types of private and personal information that will be collected on them through the DSRC system
Contact An Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you or someone you care about suffers injuries as the result of a car accident, get the professional legal representation you need. Contact Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Our experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys can advise you on the best course of to get the compensation you deserve.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
