The Fleet Business Authority
Issue link: http://heavydutytrucking.epubxp.com/i/221397
the GAO report. The GAO report said that a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system would need a way to ensure the integrity of the data shared between vehicles by being able to detect, report and revoke the credentials of vehicles sharing inaccurate information. What DOT envisions for the future is similar to what current commercial vehicle collision-avoidance systems, vehicle tracking or vehicle performance monitoring devices accomplish, with the exception of communicating with other vehicles. "community-based navigation," drivers can send feedback regarding routes, low-bridges, construction, weather or other things. The feedback is validated and then shared with other drivers. The network includes 120,000 drivers, according to Rick Turek, vice president navigation with Telogis. Noting that often infrastructure data "was out-of-date as soon we Is tomorrow's technology here today? Only a small percentage of commercial vehicles are currently equipped with on-board telematics/ fleet management systems. (That may change if the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration adopts a rule mandating electronic logging devices for recording drivers hours of service.) However, virtually all drivers carry mobile devices such as a smartphone, tablet or both. There are hundreds of trucking-centered applications available online for these devices, and a growing number of fleet management providers offer mobile products as well. Either way, these systems tend to communicate with a fleet's vehicle management system and with other systems that might be installed on a vehicle. While DOT's ITS program foresees a nationwide network, many commercial vehicle fleets already run in what might be termed local networks. One of the benefits of such a network, according to the ITS vision, is the ability for vehicles ahead to alert other vehicles of adverse weather conditions – icy roads, heavy fog, snow or traffic congestion. For a number of commercial vehicle networks, this is already a reality. For instance, Telogis operates a "feedback loop" for drivers with its navigation product. Termed www.truckinginfo.com SERIES SERIES TM TM Engineered with Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, ODYSSEY® Extreme Series™ and ODYSSEY Performance Series™ batteries provide superior power with three times the life of ordinary batteries. Plus, the Extreme Series offers even more cold cranking amps and reserve capacity for extra power when you need it. From powerful engines to long periods in storage, ODYSSEY batteries have the power to handle anything you throw their way. ¨ For more information, visit www.odysseybattery.com. © 2013 EnerSys. All rights reserved. Trademarks and logos are the property of EnerSys and its affiliates unless otherwise noted. Subject to revisions without prior notice. E.&O.E.; Circle 153 on Reader Action Card DECEMBER 2013 • HDT 45