Vodafone unveils system which lets cars ‘talk to each other’ to stop horror smashes
Tech firm hopes to get cars chatting by 2020 and claims it could make our roads a lot safer
Vodafone is testing out new technology designed to allow vehicles to talk to each and prevent crashes.
The telecoms giant has designed a system which lets cars send messages to each other to signal their intention to change lane, indicate or make an emergency stop.
It is currently trialling the technology on a British race track and hopes to roll it out in 2020.
"In recent years cars have been getting smarter and safer, partly due to the role of embedded cellular communications," r, 5G Research Manager, Vodafone Group.
"But wouldn’t it be better if there were fewer crashes, reducing the 25,000 annual fatalities on European roads?
"While some of the features in new cars such as automatic braking, lane-tracking and blind spot warning already help to reduce crashes, they depend on sensors within the vehicle which have a limited range.
"Vodafone is now testing new technology to enable vehicles to talk to each other and to roadside infrastructure over greater distances."
The system is called LTE-V2X and uses high speed 5G connection to allow the cars to "chat".
Lister said the technology "promises to bring about a transformational change to driving, vehicle safety and traffic congestion management".
He added: "With this system, vehicles will be able to become much more aware of both their immediate and surrounding environment. For example, a car which is part of the ITS will be able to tell other cars of its intention to change lane or to signal an emergency stop. The vehicle could also be told the optimal speed to drive in order to avoid traffic congestion."