The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has laid the groundwork for a wireless communication system to be used on roadways. To accomplish this the FCC has reserved airwaves in the 5.9 gigahertz band for short range communications. The FCC will also create a standard in which the new airwaves will be used. The new range of airwaves will be initially licensed to state transportation departments and safety agencies, including local police and fire departments.
By using computer displays, the technology would allow motorists to be notified of safety hazards; it would also enable proximity alerts between automobiles. The same wireless airwaves could also be used by safety personnel to change traffic signals. Commercial uses of the technology may include updating motorists on traffic conditions and paying for fast-food electronically. The technology is not expected to be in wide use until 5-10 years from now.
It's nice to see the FCC take the lead on the next logical step in wireless communications. But let's not kid ourselves here; I don't think this technology will completely eliminate all risks on the highway, but I am sure it will dramatically reduce the number of collisions as well as decrease the number of traffic problems by rerouting motorists before they approach problems. Of course, the irony in this system will be the day the ability to display traffic conditions is enabled some loser will have a wreck because he was distracted while reading the traffic report.
I can definitely see a lot of commercial uses for the technology besides public safety. Being able to pay fast-food restaurants from your vehicle before you even approach the drive-up window will dramatically reduce the amount of time I have to wait for my Big Mac. After all, isn't that what new technology is really all about?
USER COMMENTS 16 comment(s)
|Excellent! (9:39am EST Thu Dec 18 2003)
Now we will be able to track your every move. – by You Know Who
|hmmm (10:05am EST Thu Dec 18 2003)
1 watt 5.9Ghz transmiter and white noise that won't jam anything, will it?
Traffic Lights can already be changed temporarly by Emergency vehicles the system we use is an IR strobe on the top of the EM vehicle. The reciver is on the poles or strung above the intersection..The other stuff sounds good. yet I still have paranoid reservations…hmmm – by NotME
|protection (10:17am EST Thu Dec 18 2003)
I'll be wearing my colander and foil boxers while driving. – by less energy
|Doppler (12:07pm EST Thu Dec 18 2003)
Will the Doppler effect cause any negative impact on the connection? – by ArsoNick
|Driving Distractions (12:23pm EST Thu Dec 18 2003)
Yay, more stuff for drivers to do besides drive!
(Maybe they'll make warnings both as visual AND audio signals. Majel Barrett would HAVE to do the voices, though!) – by JRink
|DOT (12:27pm EST Thu Dec 18 2003)
the transmitters on emergency vehicles can in fact do that. however, most federal, state, and local governments are scared about it so most have them installed and are in working condition, but they aren't used at all
but that technology isn't new…..japan and south korea has had similar systems for a few years now….i can't wait until it is a reality in the US – by DOT Engineer
|GPS (12:32pm EST Thu Dec 18 2003)
Tie that data into a GPS map in the car and it could provide alternate routes if there is a road obstruction.
Then we could hack it it with false alerts and part traffic like the red sea. hee hee. – by Geekzilla
|Good & Bad (12:52pm EST Thu Dec 18 2003)
This sounds like such a good idea, but again security is a mager issue here. I hope the FCC has the mindset to put strict security standards in the contract for this bid. This systems will have access to alot of things that can become very dangerous in the wrong hands. – by inahandbasket
|Great idea (1:28pm EST Thu Dec 18 2003)
Pilots have access to something like this. Garmin sells GPS moving maps that overlay weather data on them using a special XM radio reciever (see Garmins website). Great for flying around storms.
I'd love it if my GPS navigation system routed me a