Talking Lights Can Cut Commutes By 40 Percent

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are experimenting with new traffic technology that could reduce commute times by 40 percent

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What Happened?

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are experimenting with new traffic technology that could reduce commute times by 40 percent.

Virtual Traffic Lights

A startup launched out of Carnegie Mellon University is testing new technology expected to nearly cut traffic times in half. The virtual traffic lights are designed to gather real-time information to guide drivers on a more efficient route to their destination.

The technology projects traffic lights into the inside windshield of individual cars that are continually updated to illustrate actual road conditions. Cars would be able to intercommunicate with each other and the road infrastructure to determine current traffic patterns and volumes. Nearby accidents or construction would be flagged and presented to drivers so a new route can be configured. By sharing car location, real-time decisions can be made regarding which lights will be red and green.

Using vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technology, cars can announce their location, direction speed and other metrics and then intersections could be dynamically managed. In theory, each car would receive customized instructions on how to proceed at a given intersection based on the traffic patterns nearby, rather than wait for actual lights to change on a programmed schedule.

This will allow for traffic flow to be efficiently managed in real-time based on volume levels at each location. Beyond reducing travel times for commuters, the system could increase safety for drivers and pedestrians while reducing overall emissions. The system would eliminate the need for physical traffic lights at intersections, and rather rely more on cellular networks and intervehicle communications.

Fed Grants for Real-Time Safety

Also focused on innovating traffic safety and efficiency, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is offering $30 million in state grants in support of advancing real-time safety technologies. The overall goal of the funding is to strengthen commercial vehicle safety by helping states modernize the technology used to collect and share real-time safety information with inspectors and law enforcement.

The grants are available through two of the administration’s programs:

  • Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) The CVISN program is offering up to $25 million in state grants to improve technological capabilities while promoting the deployment of intelligent transportation systems applications for commercial vehicles. The CVISN program focuses on high-risk operations, improvements to efficiency through electronic screening of commercial vehicles, as well as online application and issuance of registration and fuel tax credentials.
  • Performance Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM) The PRISM program is awarding $5 million in state grants to further integrate state commercial motor vehicle registration and licensing systems across into a national system. The technology allows states to determine the eligibility of a motor carrier or registrant when they are licensing or registering the company’s vehicle. Ineligible commercial vehicle registration will be suspended or withheld automatically between states through the national system.

Furthermore, FMCSA is providing funding for states looking to strengthen their commercial vehicle safety through the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation grant program. These grants help states update computer hardware and software, improve quality control and enhance training related to commercial vehicle driving.

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