DOT Proposes Rule Advancing Connected Vehicle Technology
The proposed rulemaking would allow for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.
The U.S. Department of Transportation proposed a rule Dec. 13 that would advance the deployment of connected vehicle technologies across the country, citing the potential to reduce crashes on roadways. The agency's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology—which would allow vehicles to "talk" to each other to avoid crashes.
"We are carrying the ball as far as we can to realize the potential of transportation technology to save lives," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "This long-promised V2V rule is the next step in that progression. Once deployed, V2V will provide 360-degree situational awareness on the road and will help us enhance vehicle safety." This proposed rule follows a February 2014 announcement from Secretary Foxx regarding V2V advancement.
"Advanced vehicle technologies may well prove to be the silver bullet in saving lives on our roadways," said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. "V2V and automated vehicle technologies each hold great potential to make our roads safer and, when combined, their potential is untold."
The rule would require automakers to include V2V technologies in all new light-duty vehicles that would allow them to speak the same language through standardized messaging. NHTSA estimates these applications could eliminate or mitigate the harm caused by up to 80 percent of non-impaired crashes.
The National Safety Council welcomed the news. "The National Safety Council applauds the Department of Transportation for its proposed rule, released today, that will advance the deployment of connected vehicle technologies so our cars can 'talk' to one another on the road. Technology is a game changer when it comes to eliminating preventable deaths on our roadways. Independent safety systems in vehicles can prevent some collisions, but when coupled with V2V systems, it is like a 'belt and suspenders' approach to preventing or mitigating the severity of ALL collisions," said National Safety Council President and CEO Deborah Hersman in a statement. "The National Safety Council is committed to working with DOT and NHTSA to promote V2V systems, because our cars – not just drivers – must communicate with one another if we expect to get to zero roadway deaths."