DETROIT
-- Steven
Underwood is the research scientist at the Center for Automotive
Research in Ann Arbor. New gadgets will be added to vehicles
to prevent crashes, manage traffic better, and alert the driver
of inclement weather or accidents ahead.
In
2002, there was only 72 sensors in the typical vehicle. By
the year 2010, every automobile will come assemled with 250
or more sensors. These sensors will allow vehicles to communicate
with each other. Motorists will get warnings about road conditions,
weather, crashes up ahead and much more. The driver will also
be given shorter routes to take.
The
new "Digital Highway" will allow for quicker recalls
from manufacturers. This will be the first time that manufacturers
will have a direct relationship with the consumer.
"Customers
want safety, mobility and conveneience. Technology [will be]
in place to avoid accidents," Steven Underwood
said. "Things are changing in the automobile."
How
will all of this work? Automobiles will be equipped with devices
to communicate via 802.11G, 3G and GPS. They will have receivers
and transmitters just like your notebook computer has. In
order for all of this to work, there has to be an agreement
between the U.S. government and the telecommunication companies.
These
new technologies will make cars and trucks safer. Public roads
will also become safer at the same time. It will create a
totally new industry for automobiles that never existed before.
Underwood
took a survey at the Center for Automotive Research. He asked
12 industry experts to answer a set of questions. The top
responses indicated the need for in-vehicle warnings at intersections,
signals and road features plus the need to communicate with
cell towers. Responders said the most important goal was to
prevent crashes and manage traffic better.
In
2005, there was 6.16 million automobile crashes in the U.S.
Of those crashes, 43,443 people died. There was 2.7 million
people injured in those crashes. On average, 119 people die
everyday because of a motor vehicle crash. That equals one
crash every 12 minutes, according to CAR.
What
do consumers want? They are looking for side airbags, stability
control and backup assist. The population is growing each
and every year. People are driving more than ever.
According
to the World Health Organization, traffic deaths will double
by 2020. That is why these new technologies are so important.
Three quarters of crashes are due to driver error. Another
14% of them are because of the physiological state of the
driver (alcohol-related).
If
these new technologies are implemented, one million crashes
can be prevented. The U.S. has dedicated 75 MHz of bandwith
for traffic safety. Most countries do not have the space available.
It will allow for communication between vehicles, intersections
and the government. Receivers and transmitters will need to
be installed at intersections and along the national highways.
The
term for the new technology is Dedicated Short Range Communication
(DSRC). About 20% of all vehicles will be equipped with DSRC
by 2013-15. DSRC should be standard by 2025. An initial test
of the technology should be completed by 2008. About 50% of
new cars and trucks will have transceivers by 2016.
In
order for the new technology to work, there has to be high
availability throughout the country. The entire country has
to deploy DSRC. It will also require funding from the U.S.
government.
DSRC
will be used to prevent and warn drivers. It will reduce the
severity of crashes and protect you more. DSRC will notify
the police and deliver medical help for you. It will assist
in detecting blind spots.
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Steven
Underwood explains this powerpoint presentation.
