Big Truck TV
The next evolution in wireless and safety technology could be vehicles talking to each other and the traffic infrastructure surrounding them. Bob Petrancosta, Vice President of Safety at Con-way Freight enlightens us about a new program that the Department of Transportation is piloting with the help of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. The pilot project consists of 2800 various types of vehicles of which two are heavy trucks. Con-way, is participating in an effort to provide greater safety on the roads for everyone.
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Could you see this as standard hardware on any vehicle coming of any assembly line?
Yes, but not in the immediate future (perhaps 5 years depending on how the pilot goes and NHTSA’s decision).
Are their audio and or visual queues in the vehicle to let the driver know about upcoming events?
Yes, both.
What kind of hardware is installed on the vehicle and how does it work with the vehicle?
We have yet to see the actual hardware, but it’s relatively compact. There will be fully integrated vehicles as well as those outfitted with retro-fit devices. Hardware will be installed in the cab and work with the vehicle via the J1939 bus.
Where can I found out more information about this study?
http://www.its.dot.gov/connected_vehicle/connected_vehicle.htm I highly recommend this DOT site. There is lots of info on the project there.
Is there a timeline for rolling this out beyond Ann Arbor, MI?
Not to our knowledge, however, NHTSA will make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the technology for CMVs in 2014 (2013 for light vehicles).
Why is Con-way doing this?
To get an insight on the newest and upcoming technology, see how well it works in a real world environment, to help advance vehicle and highway safety (both commercial and light vehicles), and to provide feedback on behalf of the industry.
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