Imagine if trucks and cars could talk to each other and avoid possible accidents? It’s similar to truckies talking on the CB telling each other what’s going on but it will extend to all vehicles and run through a vehicle’s onboard computer system detecting all sorts of information from onboard sensors. Or imagine if up-to-date road conditions were beamed to you to help you choose the best possible route, and save valuable time in congested cities.
This sort of science fiction has leapt to science fact and trials have been documented of intelligent systems allowing vehicles to “talk” to each other. However, before it becomes science fact, red tape and legislation needs to be put in place to ensure that it meets the right requirements for Australia.
The National Transport Commission (NTC) is reminding interested stakeholders that the opportunity to make a submission to the Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) Regulatory Policy Issues discussion paper is about to finish with a submissions close date of January 31, 2013.
C-ITS is an emerging technology that allows vehicles and other elements of the transport network to share information. NTC Chief Executive, Nick Dimopoulos said research indicates that the widespread use of this technology could cut the road toll by 25 per cent.
“With 1,300 lives lost on our roads each year, this technology has the potential to transform road safety in Australia,” he said.
C-ITS technology aims to enable drivers to better plan and adapt their driving route to avoid heavy congestion, crashes or road works. Warning systems can be activated to alert road users of potential collisions with other road users or notifications of changed traffic conditions, or other dangers, such as a train approaching a railway crossing.
Released in November 2012, Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) Regulatory Policy Issues discusses how Australia could best prepare for the introduction of C-ITS.
“Feedback received from submissions will inform our final recommendation to the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure later this year,” said Mr Dimopoulos.
“We are keen to hear from industry, government and the public to ensure the widest possible range of views are taken into account.” To download the Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) Regulatory Policy Issues discussion paper and make a submission, please visit: http://www.ntc.gov.au/viewpage.aspx?AreaId=35&DocumentId=2348