The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is teaming up with Panasonic to put an end to accidents on the I-70 Mountain Corridor. This partnership is part of CDOT’s RoadX initiative. RoadX is a series of projects that will involve CDOT working with private companies and others to improve traffic safety and congestion in Colorado over the next several decades.

To help facilitate this goal, Panasonic is relying on V2X technology. This technology uses communication modules to help vehicles share information with each other and nearby infrastructure. Guardrails would be outfitted with technology that can communicate with vehicles! If this project is successful, vehicles could have an easier time detecting pedestrians and other obstacles.

Drivers would have access to information on traffic patterns, dangerous weather and other possible obstacles. Information would also change as drivers traversed along the I-70 Mountain Corridor.

CDOT and Panasonic will begin testing equipment for this part of the project in 2017. The equipment needed for the project will be installed in 2018 and 2019. By 2020, the project may be completed and ready for use.

Will High-Tech Gadgets Like V2X Technology Make Driving Safer?

V2X technology can alert drivers where other vehicles are positioned, flow data from traffic lights and the location of pedestrians. Drivers could take corrective actions to deal with these obstacles before car accidents happen.

V2X or similar technology might become standard in all vehicles by 2019. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has recently expressed a desire to fast track rules for vehicle-to-vehicle technology.

Do you believe that this technology will contribute to traffic safety? Or will it become irrelevant once self-driving vehicles become the norm? Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook.