New and existing technologies will be harnessed to improve safety on US roads, officials have announced.
US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Elaine Chao made the pledge at the 99th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) to use new initiatives like first responder technologies and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
“These safety initiatives will make a difference in saving lives and help prevent injuries among first responders and all road users,” said Secretary Chao.
USDOT intends to invest up to $38 million for the First Responder Safety Technology Pilot Program that will help equip emergency response vehicles and key infrastructure with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technology.
A standardized listing of recommended ADAS terminology through an initiative entitled “Clearing the Confusion,” is also being endorsed. The recommended terminology is based on ADAS system functionality. Currently, there is variance among manufacturers so it is hoped standard language will ensure drivers are aware that these systems are designed to “assist,” not replace an engaged driver.
Secretary Chao also announced that there would be more research into ADAS and lane keeping assist. The research marks the next phase of the Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS) program. PARTS II expands participation in the PARTS program to include almost 70 percent of the US automobile market.
PARTS is a voluntary, data-driven safety partnership between USDOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the automobile industry. Earlier in this Administration, six manufacturers participated in this program to gather data on Automatic Emergency Braking Systems. Vehicles with this technology reported 53 percent fewer rear-end collisions than vehicles without Automatic Emergency Braking Systems based upon preliminary data from the initial program.
