DOT Proposes Rule for All Cars to Communicate with Each Other by 2023

The U.S. Department of Transportation proposed a rule that would require all new cars to come equipped with technologies for communicating with other vehicles on the road. If enacted, the rule would go into full effect in 2023.

Using dedicated short range communications technology, vehicles would be able to transmit information about their location, speed, braking, and direction to other cars. In turn, the vehicles would also receive information about surrounding cars. Through this communication, vehicles can identify possible crash situations and warn other drivers on the road. The DOT says that this “vehicle-to-vehicle” technology can also aid in crashes that couldn’t be prevented by current camera or sensor-based safety technologies, thanks to radio signals that provide 360-degrees of coverage and the ability to “see” around corners and through other cars.

This technology is sure to raise privacy concerns, but the DOT says the regulations would require privacy and security controls for the communication devices. “V2V technology does not involve the exchange of information linked to or, as a practical matter, linkable to an individual,” the agency says.

Back in 2014, the DOT started work on a the proposal and announced its intention to accelerate V2V technology. After a public comment period of 90 days, the agency will be able to make a final decision on the matter. The DOT estimates a final rule could be issued in 2019, and the regulations would be phased in starting in 2021. All new vehicles will have to comply by 2023.

Although not included in the proposed rule, the DOT is also working to advance vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. The agency will soon issue guidance to transportation planners on technologies that would allow cars to “talk” with traffic lights to help curb congestion.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

The post DOT Proposes Rule for All Cars to Communicate with Each Other by 2023 appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/2hwG9Gv