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New Technology Gives Defensive Driving An Extra Edge

By Maureen Mespell
By Dave Leval
August 21, 2012 Updated Aug 21, 2012 at 6:47 PM EDT

Ann Arbor, Mich. (Indiana's NewsCenter) -- It's estimated more than 30,000 people die in car crashes around the country every year.

That costs us more than $270 billion annually, even though we continue focusing on safety on the roads, improved communication might be even more important.

But it's not communication between drivers that could make the difference.

We're cruising around the University of Michigan when suddenly an alarm warns us of a potential hazard. It's the latest technology unveiled by the U.S Transportation Department.

The Wi-Fi like technology allows cars and trucks to speak to each other. The University's Transportation Research Institute is where the Transportation Department launches it's year-long Vehicle Safety Pilot program. The Nation's Transportation Secretary tells us the goal is simple.

Ray Lahood says, "How do we make driving safer? How do we save more lives?"

2,800 cars, trucks and buses are hitting the streets of Ann Arbor with the new technology. It alerts drivers when another driver misses a stop sign, or pulls onto a busy street. One of the equipped cars is being driven by Ann Mehringer.

Mehinger says,"It's always good to have a backup system if you don't catch something quick enough. That extra second warning makes a difference."

Researchers believe these tests can reduce the severity of non-DUI related crashes by 80%.

"Even though you're attentive, everybody's going to make mistakes. I don't care how good a driver is, sometimes they're going to lose." says Dave McMillan of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

This new technology is designed to reduce those chances.



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