Roadworks beyond the next curve, an emergency rescue vehicle approaching fast from behind, a car that has come to a standstill in the middle of the road or an icy patch of road. These are some examples of potential accident situations that can be avoided if trucks, cars, motorcycles and infrastructure all speak the same language.
“With new communication technology, the driver can quickly be alerted to a possible hazard and thus more easily avoid problems. This opens the door to an entirely new generation of accident-prevention safety solutions,” says Lars-Göran Löwenadler, Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.
Communication system demonstrated on the test track
Within the framework of an EU-wide joint drive called “Car 2 Car Communications Consortium” (C2C-CC), vehicle manufacturers, systems suppliers and researchers have worked together to develop a system that permits communication between vehicles and their surroundings. It is the practical applications of this project that will be demonstrated for the very first time on 22-23 October in a number of realistic simulations at Opel’s test track in Dudenhofen outside Frankfurt.
The joint project brings together nine car manufacturers but just one truck maker.
“Just like C2C-CC, Volvo Trucks has a strong focus on accident-prevention safety, where we take into account the entire complex traffic environment. By participating in this joint project, we are involved in laying the foundation for even higher safety, not just for the people driving our trucks but for all road users in Europe,” explains Lars-Göran Löwenadler.
Roadworks
A road side unit provides broadcasts information about a construction zone to vehicles in the vicinity. These messages warn the driver about the dangerous spot and inform about location and duration of the roadworks.
Motorcycle
Due to a view obstruction, the car driver is overlooking the approaching motorcycle. When driving onto the intersection, the car driver receives a warning of the approaching motorcycle. The rider also receives a warning on its HMI.
Emergency vehicle
An emergency vehicle approaches from behind. As the light bar and siren are turned on, the driver/rider of the other vehicle will be advised to stop at the road side to let the EV pass by.
