Expert Advocacy

New Vehicle Technology Lets Cars “Talk” to Each Other to Prevent Accidents

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology that allows vehicles near one another to communicate may lead to breakthroughs in vehicle safety by warning drivers about the behavior of nearby vehicles, according to a recent article from the Associated Press.

V2V systems were the subject of a recent conference in which automakers offered demonstrations of one system currently under development. The system uses a wireless communications grid to allow vehicles within about 1,000 feet of one another to trade information about 10 times per second.

The vehicles trade information on their location, direction, and speed. If an oncoming vehicle poses a risk of a crash, red lights inside the vehicle light up and warning sounds alert the driver of the oncoming vehicle, allowing the driver to avoid a crash even if parked cars, buildings, or other obstacles prevent the driver from seeing the oncoming car.

Although V2V systems show promise at helping drivers avoid serious auto accidents, they are not yet ready for road use. Testing will begin this summer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, using volunteer drivers and a closed test course. Researchers predict the overall effectiveness of the system will depend on how drivers respond to the vehicle’s warnings.

Car accidents can cause serious injury, and even a careful driver cannot always prevent or avoid them. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please don’t hesitate to call the knowledgeable San Diego car accident injury lawyers to learn more about your legal options and your rights after a crash. For a free, confidential consultation, call us today.