No more highway collisions, traffic jams or losing your way? That's the goal of the Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Society of America (IVHS).
With the use of computers, microwave transmitters, receivers and satellites, all this is possible, says Dr. James Costantino, IVHS executive director. Costantino has an extensuve background in transportation research, development, policy and education.According to Costantino, most if not all of the technology to accomplish safe, convenient highway transportation is already on line. Greyhound buses, for example, are being equipped with a radar-based collision avoidance system that tells the driver when danger is near.
Satellites are already positioned in space to tell us within a few feet where we are. Receivers to tune in to the Global Positioning System (GPS) can be purchased for less than $1,000.
Constantino estimates that the current highway system could accomodate 20-30 percent additional volume without traffic jams if IVHS systems were put into place.
IVHS is another exmple of the private sector and government combining technology and expertise to find answers to perplexing public problems such as transportation. IVHS reaches around the world to find and test the best technology available. Constantino points out that both Europe and Japan are ahead of the United States in puttng IVHS technology to work, in part because the need is greater.
Currently in both California and Florida, navigation sytems are undergoing tests. Drivers have available not only route information but details about service stations, restaurants and lodging facilities. These systems can also immediately offer alternative streets to use in order to avoid traffic tie-ups.
GPS can also be used to locate vehicles. Taxi and bus companies can know where their vehicles are, and stolen vehicles can be traced quickly.
The developing technology to help find your vehhcle or find your way is important, but Costantino says saving lives and energy is the ultimate goal of IVHS. In the long run, he says, the investment will pay handsome dividends in reducing accidents and increasing highway efficiency.