NHTSA takes first step to require vehicle-to-vehicle technology
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a report last week that it said is the first step to requiring vehicle-to-vehicle devices in new light duty vehicles.
The report includes preliminary estimates of the safety benefits of Left Turn Assist (LTA) and Intersection Movement Assist (IMA), which NHTSA says could prevent up to 592,000 crashes and save 1,083 lives a year. LTA warns drivers not to turn left in front of another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, and IMA warns them if it is not safe to enter an intersection because they are likely to hit another car. Other applications could help drivers avoid danger through forward collision, blind spot, do not pass and stop light/stop sign warnings.
This technology could move us from helping people survive crashes to helping them avoid crashes altogether saving lives, saving money and even saving fuel thanks to the widespread benefits it offers, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
The technology uses a radio signal to convey a vehicleês position, speed and other indicators to other vehicles with the same technology. It can work up to 300 yards away. The devices could alert a driver when a car out of view is about to run a red light or if another vehicle several cars ahead braked suddenly.
NHTSA estimates the technology would add $345 to the cost of a car by 2020. That includes the in-car devices, infrastructure and network security. After a 60-day public comment period, NHTSA expects to issue a final rule by 2016.
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