V2V Communication — Why Talkative Cars Could Transform Roadways

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In the modern world, almost everyone stays in constant communication with their friends and family, so it’s no surprise that vehicles are being primed to become more communicative as well. As integration becomes more standard every day, it seems a logical next step for the automotive industry to begin leaning into vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. This sort of efficient communication capitalizes on new technology to promote safer driving conditions without placing extra stress on the driver.

What Is V2V Communication?

As unrealistic as it may sound, vehicle-to-vehicle communication is precisely what the name implies: communication between vehicles within close proximity to each other. V2V communication allows cars to wirelessly transfer information about details like their current speed, their destination, and other relevant details which might impact safety.

Obviously, exactly which details can be relayed through V2V communication depend on a vehicle’s specific software. As cars become more advanced in terms of which applications come standard in new models, more details will be able to be transferred.

How Does V2V Communication Work?

Vehicle-to-vehicle communication is transmitted over a network similar to Wi-Fi. This short-range mesh network allows all vehicles to send and receive information simultaneously; even properly equipped traffic signals could communicate on the network.

Because many new vehicles are already equipped to be integrated with the Internet, V2V communication is not a major technological leap at all. Plus, because vehicles with internet connectivity are already outfitted with cybersecurity measures, there is no concern over privacy when it comes to V2V communication.

What Are The Benefits of V2V Communication?

The vast majority of accidents are caused by driver errors which could be avoided rather simply; when a potential hazard is detected through V2V communications, vehicles can alert drivers to it and help them avoid a potential accident. For example, if a driver were planning on changing lanes but another vehicle was approaching at a high rate of speed, the driver would receive an alert to wait.

Beyond increasing safety, there are a number of other potential benefits associated with vehicle-to-vehicle communication. If V2V communication were adopted on a widespread basis, it could help decrease traffic congestion by allowing integrated lights to adjust to the information being communicated by vehicles on the network.

V2V communication could also present a valuable form of driver assistance. For example, a driver attempting to parallel park might be so focused on their backup camera that they don’t notice they are getting dangerously close to the vehicle to their right; V2V communication would warn them of this.

Finally, widespread V2V communication would offer exciting innovations in terms of route optimization. With vehicles transmitting traffic data to the network, vehicles could automatically program the fastest route without having to rely on GPS updates.

Though V2V communication may not be standard just yet, it’s likely to make a more prevalent appearance over the course of the next decade as the Internet of Things gains traction. With cars communicating more freely, drivers will be able to enjoy more peace of mind and roadways will be safer than ever thanks to this heightened connectivity.