The deployment of safety-critical communication technology in vehicles holds the potential to mitigate traffic crashes and fatalities, which have reached alarming levels in the United States.
H2 U.S. DOT Grant Supports Vehicle Technology in Oakland County to Improve Transportation Safety
In recent years, transportation safety has become a pressing concern in the United States. With nearly 7 million traffic crashes and 43,000 traffic fatalities recorded in 2021 alone, it is evident that measures need to be taken to address this issue. In response, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) has taken the lead in deploying and operating advanced vehicle technology in Oakland County, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT).
The project, named “Leading in Sustainable Safety with Technology,” aims to build a model for the deployment of safety-critical communication technology. This technology, known as “Vehicle-to-everything” or “V2X,” enables vehicles to share safety-critical information with each other, emergency responders, and even pedestrians. By exchanging real-time information about traffic delays, sudden stops, pedestrians crossing the street, weather hazards, and other encounters on the road, V2X technology promotes safe driving practices and enhances overall transportation safety.
V2X technology utilizes cellular service and radio technology in a hands-free manner, allowing for seamless communication between vehicles and the surrounding environment. One of its key advantages is the capability to alert emergency vehicles and coordinate with traffic signals, enabling faster response times and safe passage through intersections. By improving communication and coordination between vehicles and emergency responders, this technology has the potential to significantly reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatalities.
Despite its potential benefits, the adoption of V2X technology in the United States has faced challenges over the last decade. However, in recent years, there has been a growing momentum to accelerate adoption, driven by the US DOT’s call for collaboration between public and private sector leaders. The RCOC’s project in Oakland County is a testament to this collaborative effort, as researchers will study the best ways to implement the technology in the county over the next 12 months.
The project is made possible by a $2 million US DOT Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant. This funding will support the research and development of the technology, as well as its implementation in Oakland County. By serving as a model for the deployment of safety-critical communication technology, this project aims to inspire other communities and organizations to adopt similar initiatives and contribute to improving transportation safety nationwide.
In conclusion, the deployment of advanced vehicle technology supported by the US DOT grant in Oakland County is a significant step towards enhancing transportation safety. The use of V2X technology to enable safety-critical communication between vehicles, emergency responders, and pedestrians has the potential to mitigate the alarming number of traffic crashes and fatalities in the United States. By studying the best ways to implement this technology and serving as a model for other communities, the RCOC’s project is paving the way for a safer and more sustainable future on the roads.
