Imagine if vehicles were able to communicate with each other just like pedestrians. The ratio of automobile accidents could be reduced to almost zero instantly!

This dream is quickly becoming a reality. The recommendation of such technology has been given by the US Department of Transportation safety board after the fatal accident of a school bus with a truck in 2012 (New Jersey and Florida). The first test drive with this system was made later that year, although the systems are still in development.

Road and warehouse accidents are increasing in immense numbers. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), approximately 1.2 million fatal accidents take place yearly worldwide. The US Department of transport states that approximately 43,000 of those accidents take place by intersections.

What is V2V Technology?

A new technology called V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) Communication is already preparing to launch in the US and is motivated by ITS (Intelligent Transport System) – This system can also sense other vehicles within 300 meters and warn the driver. While similar to self-driving technology, this does differ in several important ways. Currently, this communication system only works within short range – due its use of Wi-Fi signals – and has not garnered immense popularity due to several concerns. However, this is the rise of a new technology that will welcome safe driving. Currently, a Japanese company is testing Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) and Vehicle-to-Motorcycle (V2M) technology.
This technology can be said future of transportation.

How Does it Work?

Cars carrying this technology will send Wi-Fi signals to each other, transmitting their speed and location. This allows the tracking of all nearby found objects. When a found object becomes too close, the driver is warned by flashes, beeps, and vibrations.

Major Applications of V2V:

The major applications of this technology are:

• Brake Light Warning
• Forward Collision Warning
• Intersection Movement Assistance
• Blind Spot and Lane Change Warning
• ‘Do Not Pass’ Warning
• Control Loss Warning
• Alerts About Signals
• Alerts About Signs
• Built Infrastructure Systems for Vehicles
• Lane Assistance

Currently, different vehicle manufacturers such as Toyota, BMW, Ford, and Honda have been found working with this technology on their own behalf. However, there is a chance that these technologies will be found widespread on the market by 2015. According to Cisco, these cars are going to make driving as safe as sitting in your own home.

BMW Concept Car with V2V Communication Technology

The BMW company presented concept car with V2V in 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show. This awesome concept car is low-riding with three great ideas behind its conception – safety, convenience, and infotainment. The car is the result of years of planning, and connects to other cars, smartphones, and computers through an inserted SIM. An integrated GPS system also helps it to find the right direction. The Safety V2V features presented in this car include BMW’s car2car cooperative sensory system, and an SOS system already present in BMW vehicles which warns the driver of emergency situations.

DSRC by Honda

Honda has initiated a research project for DSRC (dedicated short range communication). With this DSRC technology, Honda is concerned with V2P – or vehicle to pedestrian – communication, which has various case scenarios.

Scenario 1: (Pedestrian in Driver Line of Sight – LOS)

In the case of a pedestrian crossing the road, the driver would get an indication warning on the car screen with a simultaneous beep. This will force the driver to slow down or break. Similarly, the pedestrian would have access to a specific app that would be able to warn him or her about the ongoing traffic if they are not paying attention.

Scenario2: (Pedestrian in Non-Driver Line of Sight – NLOS)

In this scenario, the driver and pedestrian both get warnings at the intersection, even if the pedestrian is not visible to the driver or is behind another car.

Scenario 3: Pedestrian Backup Warning

When a vehicle is backing up, the pedestrian would get a clear warning message on his or her smartphone with a beep. He or she would then stop and the car would be able to back up.

Scenario 4: Vehicle to Motorcycle Communication

This scenario is similar to the ones presented above, only with motorcycles.

These scenarios by Honda are another step toward a safer future of transportation.

Pros of V2V technology:

• V2V would always be working with V2P and V2M.
• They would be helpful in fuel saving.
• These intelligent systems would always run at a specific speed.
• With their help in minimizing crashes, they would help to reduce maintenance costs.
• Traffic jams can be minimized.

Cons:

• Cars with these systems can be hacked and control by terrorists or other criminals.
• With the increasing number of cars, too many signals would exist in the air. This could have a negative effect on both human and animal health, as well as the environment.
• People may begin to drive more carelessly when they are aware of such technology in their vehicles. If the system were to have errors, drivers may not receive warnings and thus would be unaware of their surroundings.

Imagining V2V Communication in Forklifts

This technology has not yet been set up for lift trucks, but it would be a clever idea to do so. Just as it could reduce highway accidents, it would be able to reduce the number of accidents in warehouses and work zones. There is a chance that forklift renters and forklift service providers would be able to hire non-certified workers by getting these intelligent systems.