Ford, GM, and Toyota are thinking futuristic and developing a new technology for cars that will allow them to talk to one another.  This new technology is called “Intellidrive”.  The technology utilizes GPS and WiFi that allow the vehicles to send out signals with their location and speed information so other vehicles on Mississippi roadways and know where they are and how fast they are going.  The cars essentially “talk” to each other.

The reason behind the push for this new technology is to keep drivers safer behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believes that when this new technology is employed, it will help to reduce the risk of potential accidents by as much as 80%.

Some cars already employ more basic versions of what might be called smart car technology that warns drivers of impending accident risks and/or helps drivers avoid such car accidents.  Some vehicles already on the market let you know when you are drifting into another lane or when you might be in danger of colliding with a vehicle in front of you.  While this new technology that permits vehicles to communicate to each other might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, it could help to cut down on the 5 million car collisions per year in the U.S. that kill approximately 340,000 people and injure more than 2 million.  Any new technology that can significantly reduce Mississippi car accidents is a type of car industry advancement worth embracing.

The Technology

These new systems are not limited to just employing current radar technology to detect what is in front of them or behind them as with some current vehicles.  The smart car technology can detect a signal up to 900 feet away and 360 degrees around. The multi-directional WIFI signals send out a car’s location, cruising speed and brake status information to the other car. That car is then warned of an incoming hazard by a series of beeping noises and flashing red lights. The first warnings would alert the driver.  If the driver does not respond, then the car would take over and employ whatever action was necessary including applying brakes or changing speed or direction.

The goal of the system will be to prevent collisions by preventing a vehicle from changing lanes, approaching a stalled vehicle too quickly or entering an intersection if the light has turned red.  While the technology appears like a promising way to reduce the number of fatal Mississippi car accidents, there are some bugs that need to be worked out.  For example, the automakers are trying to determine an effective way to keep the channels the signals flow through clear.  They are also trying to determine how to keep hackers out of the system and how to protect privacy.

Working Together

There are several car manufacturers that are cooperating to make this happen.  For this system to work, different makes of cars have to be able to communicate with one another.  Even though the investment in the technology has been upward of $40 million dollars in federal money, the end cost to the automakers is only going to be about an extra $100 per vehicle.  The goal is to have this smart car technology become standard in some 2013 automobiles.

It remains to be seen how effective this new technology will be in preventing car accidents or reducing auto accident related injuries and fatalities in Mississippi.  It may help with distracted driving because the car will be interacting with the driver on a lot of different levels which might keep the driver more engaged on the business of driving.  The car may also alert drivers of hazards that the driver has not noticed because the driver was engaged in activities like using one’s cell phone.

It could very well increase the number of lawsuits if there are accidents as a result of the technology. If the system malfunctions causing a driver whom relies on the system to make an error in judgment, it may raise issues as to who is responsible for a resulting auto collision.  Despite these concerns, the technology looks like a promising step in the right direction.

If you or someone you love is involved in a Mississippi car accident, a car accident attorney in Mississippi from Barrett Law, PLLC may be able to help you seek compensation for damages such as medical bills, property damage, permanent disabilities, as well as pain and suffering.  The roots of Barrett Law, PLLC have grown and flourished during the last 75 years.  We represent those who have suffered serious injury or wrongful death throughout Mississippi so contact us today to see how we can help at (662) 834-2376.