Please enter a search term to begin your search.
Back to listing
Research and Innovative Technology Administrator, Peter Appel, talks about the ITS Strategic Research Plan
Q: What do you see as the future of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology in the US?
A: Today we stand on the threshold of using wireless communication between all vehicles to keep them from crashing. The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) is making a major commitment to Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication systems and safety research. As early as 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could make a decision on the need for rulemaking in this area. To prepare for that, our ITS Strategic Research Plan outlines a vision for a national, multimodal surface transportation network using existing wireless communications technologies. At its core is the development and testing of technologies and applications, specifically V2V and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication, which have the potential to save thousands of lives and prevent millions of life-changing injuries. The strategic plan includes a range of targeted research and development initiatives that support cross-modal ITS solutions. These, along with the technological platform, human factors research and policy work, define our ITS programme.
The programme is focused on developing a system that allows the private sector to develop innovative commercial applications using existing and new technologies. In addition we have strong state, local and transit agency partners who are the implementers in communities across the nation.
Q: Can you explain the role of Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC)?
A: DSRC is the only technology that can deliver real-time, reliable data at a high speed in situations where seconds can save a life. The USDOT is committed to making it the backbone of safety-critical applications. But we also strongly support open-source communications technologies for non-safety-critical applications. An open source platform can become the foundation for myriad new technologies. Think of the explosion of technology in our lives and the assortment of applications that have been created on open-source platforms; the same kind of revolution can happen with ITS to make our entire transportation system safer and more efficient and our communities more livable while improving the environment.
Q: Won’t these new technologies become another distraction for drivers?
A: By using proven, safe alerts to increase awareness of imminent hazards, such as traffic unexpectedly braking or an approaching work zone, V2V technology can help focus driver attention. These technologies can offer unprecedented safety benefits, but we need to be smart in how we use them. Although we are already engaged in research to ensure that these technologies do not contribute to the distracted driving problem, or produce other interferences, we believe that future technology solutions will be required to achieve our safety vision and to ensure that the technology is safe and effective. These technologies will face rigorous human factors research and testing.
Q: What about current devices? Are these a hazard?
A: It was disappointing to see at recent auto shows that some in the industry are using technology to create ‘internet dashboards’ and other distracting products. This is unacceptable. We should be creating in-vehicle technologies that make us safer. There is a huge difference between a device in a car that lets you watch movies or access the internet, and one that warns you that you’re running off the road or about to crash. Safety technologies are designed to focus drivers’ attention on the road or other vehicles, not on a movie, the internet or some other distraction. I’m advocating a greater focus from both industry and the USDOT on ways we can harness the power of technology to increase transportation safety. Quite frankly, I think much more can be done in this area, and I will continue to make the case for it.
Q: In December, the USDOT released a new ITS Strategic Research Plan. What does this plan say and what will it do?
A: It charts a course for the USDOT’s ITS programme for the next five years, giving a vision for a national, multi-modal surface transportation system that uses existing wireless communications technologies to create a connected transportation environment for vehicles, infrastructure and portable devices. The plan describes the research, cross-modal and mode-specific, that the USDOT will conduct to get us closer to that vision. It was developed with strong stakeholder input and represents the best thinking both inside and outside the Department. We are just getting started with the research programmes described in the plan, with listening sessions and stakeholder workshops, some of which are happening right here at this conference. So the ITS America Annual Meeting marks a key milestone in the Department’s implementation of the plan, and I’m proud to be a part of this important event.
|
|
RSS