For the past couple years Tampa roadways have been plagued with a run of wrong-way drivers and pedestrian accidents. In an effort to reverse this trend, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority has brought in the Connected Vehicle Program to test in Tampa.
The program will be centralized in downtown Tampa. They need 1,600 drivers to sign-up for the program to have the system connected to their cars. 10 streetcars and 10 buses in the area will also have the technology installed. Drivers who sign-up will get 30% of Selmon Expressway tolls and free updates on traffic, congestion and road conditions in downtown.
How Does It Work
A car or truck equipped with connected vehicle technology “talks” wirelessly to other vehicles, traffic monitoring stations, traffic signals, crosswalks and more. This wireless communication can help prevent crashes, keep traffic moving and even improve fuel efficiency. The warnings appear in your rear-view mirror with visual and sound cues. The program is being updated with new alerts ten times per second, making it much more reliable than traffic apps that are currently on the market.
Program Goals & Information
The program’s goal is to decrease congestion, reduce crashes and save lives. Researchers say that this technology might roll out across the U.S. in next few years, but Tampa is one of the first cities chosen to test it by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Tampa Driver, Shari Callahan has used the system in her car for three weeks and already feels like a safer driver.
To learn more or sign-up to be a driver with the technology visit the project’s website: Tampacvpilot.com. You will also have more information about the program and get the specific details bout adding the system to your vehicle.
