Benefits
IntelliDriveSM Future Vision
Imagine a world where:
- Highway crashes and their tragic consequences are significantly reduced.
- Vehicles will be able to "talk" to traffic signals to eliminate unnecessary stops—saving travel time and fuel, and reducing emissions.
- Travelers have continual access to accurate travel time information about all mode and route options, and the potential environmental impacts of their choices.
- Transportation system managers have the real-time data they need to accurately assess transportation system performance and actively manage the system for optimal performance.
IntelliDriveSM applications are intended to provide connectivity among vehicles; between vehicles and infrastructure; and among vehicles, infrastructure, and passengers’ wireless devices. Connectivity among vehicles enables crash prevention. Connectivity between vehicles and the infrastructure enables safety, mobility, and environmental benefits. Connectivity among vehicles, infrastructure, and passengers’ wireless devices provides continuous real-time connectivity to all system users.
Like the Internet, which provides information connectivity, IntelliDriveSM provides a starting point for transportation connectivity that could potentially enable countless applications and spawn new industries. Today we can see only the tip of the iceberg.
More: Consumer Benefits | Commercial Vehicles Benefits | Highway System Operations Benefits | Transit Operations Benefits
Figure 1: Wireless connectivity would enable roadway users to receive information to provide 360° situational awareness. In unsafe situations, IntelliDriveSM applications provide alerts and advisories, or take action to help roadway users avoid or mitigate crashes.
The Future Evolution of IntelliDriveSM Safety Applications
IntelliDriveSM safety applications would enable vehicles to have 360-degree awareness to inform a vehicle operator of hazards and situations they can’t see. IntelliDriveSM safety applications have the potential to reduce crashes through advisories and warnings. For instance, vehicle operators may be advised of a school zone; sharp ramp curve; or slippery patch of roadway ahead. Drivers could also be advised of the presence of IntelliDriveSM-equipped bicycles and pedestrians around them, which would enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists as well as motorists. Warnings could be provided in more imminent crash situations, such as during merging operations that put vehicles on a collision path, or when a vehicle ahead stops suddenly.
Active USDOT-sponsored research already is under way to develop and test applications such as:
- Emergency Brake Light Warning;
- Forward Collision Warning;
- Intersection Movement Assist;
- Blind Spot and Lane Change Warning;
- Do Not Pass Warning; and
- Control Loss Warning.
Other safety applications are likely to be developed and tested in future. These safety applications must be based on communications technology that can deliver hazard warnings instantly, in time for drivers to take action to avoid crashes. Today researchers are using 5.9 GHz communications spectrum, dedicated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for transportation safety and management purposes, to meet the strenuous requirements of these applications. This radio technology is known as Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC).
More: Safety Benefits
The Future Evolution of IntelliDriveSM Mobility Applications
IntelliDriveSM mobility applications are intended to provide a connected, data-rich travel environment based on information transmitted anonymously from thousands of vehicles that are using the transportation system at a particular time. This information could help transportation managers monitor and manage transportation system performance – for example, by adjusting traffic signals, transit operations, or dispatching maintenance crews or emergency services. This information could also help transportation agencies and fleet operators to manage crews and use resources as efficiently as possible.
Traffic data mined from wireless sources could readily provide data on traffic volumes and flows for all significantly traveled roadways. At present, traffic sensors and cameras are installed mostly on freeways and Interstates, so little or no real-time traffic information is available for arterials or smaller local roadways, or, for that matter, for vast stretches of freeways and Interstates outside of major metropolitan areas.
In the future, on-board technology that can provide safety benefits may also provide data to transportation managers through connections with the infrastructure. Data sets might include anonymous information on where vehicles are braking or traction control equipment is activated, which are indicators of road surface conditions. This information would allow transportation managers to determine where preventative weather treatment or debris removal might be required. Vehicles would remain completely anonymous and not traceable to protect individuals’ privacy and security.
More: Traffic Management Benefits | Maintenance Benefits
The Future Evolution of IntelliDriveSM Green Applications
Providing travelers with real-time information about traffic congestion and other travel conditions helps them make more informed decisions that can reduce the environmental impact of their trip. Informed travelers may decide to avoid congestion by taking alternate routes or public transit, or by rescheduling their trip — all of which can make their trip more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. The ability for vehicles to "talk to" the infrastructure could provide information to the vehicle operator so that he/she can drive through a traffic signal network at optimum speeds to reduce stopping. Many transportation management activities that enhance mobility, by reducing vehicle idling due to traffic congestion, also potentially reduce emissions.
IntelliDriveSM traveler information applications already being field tested will enable travelers to choose routes or travel modes to avoid congestion, and thus lower the environmental impacts of wasted fuel and emissions. As IntelliDriveSM systems evolve, additional environmental applications will be available. Examples currently being considered include:
- Capturing real-time environmental data from vehicles and infrastructure, integrating it with environmental data from other sources, and using it to improve transportation and environmental management; and
- Providing real-time environmental data for use by travelers to help them make travel choices to lower their environmental footprint. For example, a traveler information system might show the different carbon emissions resulting from driving, riding transit or bicycling to the same destination.
