The Fleet Business Authority
Issue link: http://heavydutytrucking.epubxp.com/i/221397
Today's commercial offerings are getting closer to the future vision of "smart trucks" I ntelligent highways, smart vehicles, connected transportation systems – sounds like the stuff of the future. In reality, though, many technologies currently found on our roadways reflect that future. In many cases they will be integral components of an intelligent transportation system. And the most important piece of technology might be the one most everyone now carries in their pocket, purse or backpack. The U.S. Department of Transportation, via its Intelligent Transportation System Program, has funded numerous research projects on vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-toinfrastructure communications. The goal: a national, multimodal system featuring connected vehicles, infrastructure and driver/passenger mobile devices – even pedestrian mobile devices (cellphones). DOT believes a "connected" transportation system will mean a safer and more efficient system, with vehicles communicating with each other as well as with traffic signals, toll booths and other parts of the infrastructure. Among the short-term research programs are projects focusing on commercial vehicle information sys- tems and technologies. This would involve using information systems and communications networks to improve safety and productivity and reduce regulatory costs. These programs would rely on data sharing, electronic registration and automated roadside screening/enforcement activities. The ITS Strategic Plan through 2014 includes a section on truck vehicle-to-vehicle research. The goal is to help reduce crashes by alerting drivers via in-cab alarms of vehicles in their vicinity that might represent a threat, such as one that is speeding or merging into the roadway from a blind spot. Overcoming the issues A number of challenges must be overcome to get to the ITS programs vision, according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report released earlier this year. Those challenges include: • Finalizing a technical framework for vehicle-to-vehicle security; • Ensuring the performance of the radio-frequency spectrum used by vehicle-to-vehicle communications; • Ensuring drivers respond appropriately to warning alerts; • Liability issues that may be created by the technologies; and • Privacy – something that's been much in the news since the release of Jim Beach • Technology Editor 44 HDT • DECEMBER 2013 www.truckinginfo.com