spotlight

Connected vehicles can use wireless communication to “talk” to traffic signals, work zones, toll booths, school zones, and other types of infrastructure. Non-safety applications may be based on different types of wireless technology. Cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles will be able to “talk” to each other with in-vehicle or aftermarket devices that continuously share important safety and mobility information with each other. Connected and fully automated vehicles (CAVs) refers to fully automated vehicles that are also equipped with communication technologies.

Although self-driving vehicles have the potential to drastically reduce accidents, travel time, and the environmental impacts of road travel, concerns remain that could delay widespread adoption. Of particular concern are data privacy and security risks.

AVs have innate potential to encourage additional travel as compared to human-driven vehicles, both by those who currently drive privately owned vehicles and those who do not. This is due to the many added benefits that occur as a result of removing or limiting the driving task.

Automated vehicles are coming — probably sooner than you think. But when will we get there, and how will we get there? Here is the evolutionary path to fully automated vehicles, where today’s vehicles get automated driving features bit by bit.