It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, talking vehicles may not only be the future of transportation, but could also help prevent many traffic accidents. In 2011, 32,310 Americans died in traffic accidents, but LaHood believes that talking vehicles could help prevent or reduce the seriousness of as much as 80% of traffic accidents.
A twelve month trial has just started in Ann Arbor, where 3,000 vehicles will be monitored to see whether the new technology can help prevent accidents. The city will have wi-fi in traffic signs and intersection and the cars will be equipped with wireless devices as well so that they can communicate with each other and with traffic signals and lights. The cars will therefore be able to tell whether a car is approaching too fast or whether there is another sign that a crash is imminent. When this occurs, the cars will communicate with other cars in the area to prevent an accident. According to experts, this will work because the car’s software will be a much better indicator of potential threat than the average driver. The car’s technology will also allow cars to “see” dangers that the average cannot – such as a problem a few cars ahead.
When a problem is found, the cars will use audio and visual warnings to alert the driver so that the driver can take the correct action to prevent an accident. The project in Ann Arbor is a $25 million team effort involving GM, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz as well as parts manufacturers. The project is overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
If the project is successful, it is possible that manufacturers and cities will start collaborating on cars that can communicate with each other as well as on traffic signals and lights that can communicate to cars. There are already cars on the market with sensors and lasers, which are usually part of an advance crash warning system. However, the current Ann Arbor project is more sophisticated because it uses wi-fi, allowing the cars to detect threats that lasers and sensors cannot. The wi-fi is considered more effective because it allows cars to detect danger that is further away.
If the project is successful and the technology is widely adapted, it could mean interesting things for the future of preventing Miami car accidents. Currently, many Miami traffic accidents are caused by driver error, driver inattention, and the inability of drivers to evade a collision in time. The new technology would remove some of the driver error by clearly telling drivers when they are at risk of a Miami truck accident or car accident, giving the driver enough time to avoid the situation. Currently, there is no timeline in place indicating when the technology would be available for the average consumer. For now, Miami drivers will need to avoid car collisions the traditional way: by driving defensively and carefully.
If you have been injured in a Miami car accident, contact the professional legal team at the Flaxman Law Group to discuss your options and your rights. If your injuries were caused by a wrongful act or negligence, you could be eligible for compensation that helps you recover from your accident. The Flaxman Law Group is happy to offer a free, no obligation consultation if you wish to discuss your options.