Connected Vehicle technologies aim to tackle some of the biggest challenges in the surface transportation industry--in the areas of safety, mobility, and environment.

Applications are being developed in each of these areas. Safety applications center on the basic safety message (BSM), a packet of data that contains information about vehicle position, heading, speed, and other information relating to a vehicle’s state and predicted path. The BSM contains no personally identifying information (PII). Mobility and environmental applications will be “opt-in” applications where the traveler decides which, if any, of the applications to use. See the infographics below for more information about these applications.

Safety

Connected Vehicle safety applications will enable drivers to have 360-degree awareness of hazards and situations they cannot even see. Through in-car warnings, drivers will be alerted to imminent crash situations, such as merging trucks, cars in the driver's blind side, or when a vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. By communicating with roadside infrastructure, drivers will be alerted when they are entering a school zone, if workers are on the roadside, and if an upcoming traffic light is about to change.

 

Forward Collision Warning alerts a driver of a risk of a rear-end collision when cars ahead are stopped.

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Motorist Advisories and Warnings warn drivers of deteriorating or dangerous driving conditions.

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Red Light Violation Warning issues a warning to a driver who is about to run a red light.

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View other Connected Vehicle SAFETY infographics.

Mobility

Anonymous signals in connected vehicles will help generate new data about how, when, and where vehicles travel—information that transportation managers will analyze to help make roads safer and less congested. This exciting new data-rich environment will be the genesis for a multitude of new mobility applications that will help to keep traffic flowing and make it easier for people to plan their travel experience. Imagine, for instance, apps that can help you find open parking spaces, locate available last-minute ride-share partners, guarantee you make your bus or train connection, or help a blind pedestrian cross the street.

 

Connection Protection gives passengers real-time transit information to more accurately predict whether they will make their next connection. A passenger can use their personal mobile device to initiate a request for a connection to wait. If multiple people on a delayed transit vehicle will miss their next connection, transportation providers can adjust departures to enable the passengers to make their next connection.

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View other Connected Vehicle MOBILITY infographics.

 

Environment

Imagine if an app could help you save gas by optimizing the phasing of traffic signals to eliminate idling and unnecessary stops and starts. Or if an application could help you to avoid congestion by taking alternate routes, by taking public transit, or by rescheduling your trip—any of which can make your trip more eco-friendly. Imagine if special travel lanes were dedicated for drivers of low-emissions, high-occupancy, transit, and alternative-fuel cars and trucks to promote and support the most eco-friendly driving possible.

Connected vehicle technologies will generate real-time data that drivers and transportation managers can use to make green transportation choices.

 

Eco-Traffic Signal Timing collects data such as vehicle type, location, speed, and emissions from vehicles to optimize traffic signal timing.

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View other Connected Vehicle ENVIRONMENT infographics.