Safety is primary in ITS and avoiding human error is key to safer transportation. Systems are on the way that will provide vehicles with crash warnings and collision avoidance capabilities. The "smart" vehicles of the not-so-distant future will sense objects, avoid collision, monitor driver alertness, and provide route guidance information. What's more, once you breeze past the toll booth using your electronic pass, the road will be equipped with sensors and other devices that will let you sit back and read a book or talk on your cell phone safely. It looks like it won't be long before cars really are driving themselves.

Many of these ITS technologies are now operational in several cities. However this is only the beginning of how technology can improve transportation. The possibilities for the future are almost endless. The only limitation is the imagination.