NHTSA seeks input on vehicle-to-vehicle technology

Washington – Vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology could prevent more than a half-million crashes and save more than 1,000 lives per year, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

V2V technology would allow vehicles to send basic safety information to each other to help drivers avoid crashes. NHTSA recently released its research report on V2V technology along with an advance notice of proposed rulemaking, which was published in the Aug. 20 Federal Register. The ANPRM is seeking public comment on the 327-page report, which includes extensive details about the costs, safety benefits and other aspects of the technology.

NHTSA said it hopes to make V2V devices a requirement in new light vehicles. The public input from the ANPRM will help the agency move toward a notice of proposed rulemaking in 2016, according to a Department of Transportation press release.

Two features of V2V technology – Left Turn Assist and Intersection Movement Assist – could prevent up to 592,000 crashes and save 1,083 lives per year, according to NHTSA.

“Safety is our top priority, and V2V technology represents the next great advance in saving lives,” Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said in a press release.