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Someday soon, drivers on Interstate-4 may have a safer, faster commute as their cars communicate wirelessly with each other and the roadway.
New car technologies are being developed and tested that will make cars virtually collision proof by regulating speed and the distance between cars and other objects along the road. These “Smart Cars” would automatically perform emergency maneuvers including steering, decelerating and braking to avoid dangerous situations.
“A communications infrastructure on the roadways and in vehicles will improve transportation and the quality of life in ways not imagined just a generation ago,” said Rick Morrow, FDOT District 5 Director of Traffic Operations.
According to the US Department of Transportation, almost half of the 43,000 deaths annually on America’s highways are caused by vehicles leaving the road or traveling unsafely through intersections. To save lives and prevent injuries on our roadways, Florida and other state transportation officials and car manufacturers are working together to make these “Smart Car” technologies a reality.
“This technology will lead to reduced traffic accidents, improved traffic signal control, traveler information (such as the 511 system) on all roads, better transportation planning, and reduced cost for maintaining roadways, among other benefits,” said Morrow.
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