A series of news outlets have reported that the government has decided to research how well the new ‘talking car’ technology would work in real-life situations, which led to a project that is being held by the University of Michigan.

According to the reports, researchers within the University decided to look into the new technology that would allow vehicles to communicate with each other and provide drivers with information that would help them to make better driving decisions. If this system provides drivers with traffic information, the average motorist’s accident avoidance rate would then improve, which could help to make roads safer for everyone.

Researchers have pointed out that the U.S. officials decided to give this technology a go by providing the University with means to test the devices for a full year. The government has furnished the University with $25 million to equip 3,000 cars with the communicating technology, which will be used and tested until August of 2013.

The devices will alert motorists of hurdles, potential hazards or even changing lights with the help of a series of different warning systems like vibration, lights and beeps.
Researchers will also install sensors across the city of Ann Arbor, which will let cars equipped with the talking technology know of changing lights. Researchers hope to also activate a system that would allow lights to switch to green if the sensors perceive that no other cars are coming, which could save many drivers some precious time.

News agencies have reported that eight major automakers are participating in this process by developing their own communicating systems, which are being included in these testing cars for the next year.

Ford, for an instance, has developed their own talking car system that includes a series of lights and beeps to alert drivers of imminent hazards. Most of the automakers’ own talking car systems have been equipped with different warning patterns and a review of each automaker’s system was not provided.

Researchers hope to find out what works and what doesn’t by testing this technology and developing a more reliable ‘talking’ system that will keep drivers safe from the hazards that could potentially lead to fatal crashes.

Although similar systems have been tested previously, no research will go as deep as the one being carried out in Michigan. Hopefully, the authorities along the researchers will be able to develop a fully functional system that will help drivers to stay safe while behind the wheel.

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