NHTSA Proposes Advanced Vehicle Communication Ruling

smart car The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a new ruling that would require automakers to incorporate technology enabling vehicles to communicate with one another.

Vehicle-to-vehicle technology, known as V2V, would significantly reduce car accidents by allowing cars to send signals out to other vehicles in the area, corresponding the actions of the driver. Those cars would then be able to warn their drivers about the initial vehicle’s intentions.

Auto manufacturers would also be able to combine automated driving technology, such as automatic braking, to enable better and quicker responses that would rely on radar and cameras equipped within the vehicle.

NHTSA officials are comparing the proposed ruling’s life-saving capabilities to the modern equivalency of seatbelt innovations and electronic stability control features that have saved thousands of lives.

V2V technology would reduce the number of sober-human accidents by 80 percent by avoiding 190,000 to 270,000 crashes and 1,000 lives each year, according to the NHTSA.

In addition to V2V technology, the NHTSA is also planning on installing vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology in vehicles as well to enable communication with road devices such as stop signs and red lights.

If the rule is approved, the NHTSA expects that it would take two to four years for the technology to be included in all newly produced vehicles. Automakers would be required to install the safety features in all vehicles and it would be illegal for drivers to turn them off.

The technology could also save on fuel costs once it is installed in all vehicles, as it would improve the flow of traffic, according to the NHTSA. Currently, the proposed rule only applies to passenger vehicles but would soon cross over to buses and trucks as well.

With the increasing number of traffic fatalities in the past year, it is important to have technological innovations, such as V2V and V2I, which improve roadway safety.

However, traffic accidents are still occurring. If you or someone you love has been in a car accident, contact the Harrisburg car accident lawyers at Schmidt Kramer. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and will review your claim for free to determine if you are entitled to compensation.

To schedule a free consultation, call (717) 888-8888 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.

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Proposed Federal Ruling Would Require Cars to “Talk” to Each Other