Technology developers recently announced that they are creating new devices that are capable of virtually eliminating car accidents. Although the new devices will be available to Colorado drivers in the near future, it may take up to 10 years for all vehicles to carry the wireless car crash prevention device.
The new devices work by emitting a wireless signal that is capable of gathering information about other vehicles on the highway, such as speed and location. Theoretically, if all vehicles were equipped with the device, they would be able to "talk" to one another and warn drivers of potential safety threats.
The developers of the wireless safety devices are not just creating another warning system. Rather, their goal is to create a system that is capable of reacting automatically without requiring action from the driver. If a driver is not paying attention and his or her car comes too close to the vehicle in front of it, the system would be capable of engaging the brakes. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, nearly half of all the accidents reported in 2007 were rear-end collisions. That means that this technology could potentially eliminate up to one half of all highway accidents.
Although drivers may begin to see this car crash prevention technology soon in new vehicle models, the full benefits of the system will not take effect until all vehicles are equipped with the wireless technology. In the mean time, drivers can use the high tech devices to avoid traffic jams or choose routes with the lowest number of stop lights, allowing them to maximize their fuel efficiency.
Source: Washington Post, "The not-too-distant future of driving: When cars can talk, crashes may be avoided," Ashley Halsey III, April 10, 2012
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