Driving toward zero: how the DOT plans to use V2X wireless communication to eliminate traffic fatalities

In summary: The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reported 40,000 traffic-related fatalities last year. To combat this, the U.S. Department of Transportation is introducing V2X, a comprehensive technology framework aimed at reducing traffic deaths to zero by improving infrastructure, vehicle technology, and regulations for safer road travel.

Over the years, automakers and regulatory agencies have implemented various safety features like Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking to enhance driver safety. The slow adoption of these features prompted the DOT to introduce V2X, which utilizes wireless communication technology for vehicles to exchange information and enhance driving safety.

The V2X plan includes Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P), and Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) communication for a holistic approach to road safety.

V2X is integrated into the National Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Reference Architecture to ensure adaptability to newer technologies. The plan also focuses on cybersecurity with a Security Credential Management System (SCMS) to protect data privacy.

The DOT’s plan for V2X implementation includes infrastructure deployment, vehicle integration, spectrum management, and interoperability to encourage rapid adoption by automakers. The phased approach aims for significant adoption by 2036.