Wednesday, August 27, 2014

NHTSA Begins Laying Groundwork for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications

©iStockphoto.com/Skip ODonnell 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA) has released an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) and supporting research report on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications technology.

The report includes analysis of several key issues surrounding the implementation of V2V technology, including technical feasibility, privacy and security, and early predictions of cost and safety benefits. The ANPRM solicits public feedback to inform regulatory work, which is presumed will eventually require V2V devices in new light vehicles.

The report estimates that two safety applications—Left Turn Assist (LTA) and Intersection Movement Assist (IMA)—could prevent up to 592,000 crashes and save 1,083 lives per year. Other potential warnings could include forward collision, blind spot, do not pass, and stop light/stop sign alerts.

"Safety is our top priority, and V2V technology represents the next great advance in saving lives," says U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "This technology could move us from helping people survive crashes to helping them avoid crashes altogethersaving lives, saving money and even saving fuel thanks to the widespread benefits it offers."