New 'smart' highways could warn drivers of trouble
FCC OKs new frequency for intelligent highway systems
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WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal regulators approved a step Wednesday toward developing smart highways, where warning signals automatically transmitted to drivers can prevent traffic accidents.
The Federal Communications Commission set aside an area of broadcast spectrum to transmit those signals, rather than have them share space with electronic toll sensors, cell phones and garage door openers.
"Smart radio technology means smarter highways, safer roads and a more secure homeland," FCC Chairman Michael Powell said.
Transportation Department officials are testing the technology at an intersection in McLean, Virginia, where sensors can automatically warn a motorist when another car is approaching, thus helping to avoid a collision.
The technology, still five to 10 years away from being installed in cars and along highways, also could use a beep, a dashboard light or an electronic voice to tell drivers when it's safe to change lanes, or when to put on the brakes to avoid rear-ending the motorist in front.
"There were a couple of cars ahead of me this morning that would have used this collision avoidance system," FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy said.
Wednesday's FCC vote gave that technology its own frequencies.
"This is a piece of a larger picture," said John Muleta, chief of the FCC's wireless bureau.
The warnings can be received within 100 meters (yards) of the transmitters, and thus are only for communications between vehicles or between a vehicle and a sensor along the road.
"This new radio spectrum will help prevent crashes, bring important real-time information into cars and let drivers concentrate on driving," Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said.
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