If Cars Could Communicate with Each Other, What Would They Be Talking About?
Safety! That’s the answer to the question. And that’s what Jeremy W. Peters, The New York Times writer for the Automobiles section, has discovered when he witnessed how the V2V technology that is being developed by General Motors work. General Motors unveiled the technology way back in October last year, but Peters’ report gave us an actual account on how the V2V really works.
The term V2V stands for vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology. It is a technology being developed by General Motors that makes use of—in a bit simplified terms—an antenna, a computer chip and the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to allow vehicles to communicate digitally. Currently, the technology is being developed exclusively for GM vehicles. This is because the technology makes use of GM’s OnStar system for the GPS information and the Stabilitrak technology for all other vehicle information needed by V2V. GM, however, expressed its willingness to work with rival auto manufacturers and other interested agencies so that the technology may work on non-GM vehicles as well.
So how does V2V work? Using the information from the OnStar and Stabilitrak technology and with the aid of the system’s antenna and computer chip, vehicles equipped with V2V can detect the position and movement of similarly equipped vehicles in a distance of up to a quarter-mile. Based on this detection, the system can warn the driver of possible collisions and other dangers. Here are a few examples on how the V2V system can help vehicle drivers avoid collisions and road accidents:
*A yellow or amber warning light would flash on the right side mirror if another vehicle on your vehicle’s blind spot is detected. If the driver of the vehicle on the blind spot decides to turn and activates his turn signals, flashing amber light and a gentle seat vibration on the side would warn you of a potentially dangerous situation.
*If a vehicle in front of yours is stopped or is moving slowly, the V2V technology would instantly warn you of a potential danger through visual icons and seat vibrations. Should you fail to stop or if the system senses the danger of a rear-end collision, it would instantly activate the brakes to put your vehicle to a halt.
All of these, however, are but a preview of a technology that is still under development stage. According to GM, the technology would probably be used on GM vehicles for about 5 to 10 years from now.
So while the technology is not yet being fully utilized, it is important that we first take those traditional steps in making our vehicle safer to drive. One way is by replacing damaged auto lights like headlights, corner lights, tail lights and other warning lights. And as to where you can find these high quality replacement vehicle lights and other vehicle components, I would recommend Auto Parts Inner — the most complete online source for all your vehicle needs.
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