Can Vehicle to Everything (V2X) Technology Make Streets Safer?
Oct 9, 2024
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In this discussion with Edward Erfurt, Director of Community Action at Strong Towns, the focus is on the emerging Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. They explore how V2X can potentially improve street safety by enabling vehicles to communicate vital information. However, Erfurt emphasizes the challenges and risks, arguing for a balanced approach that combines tech innovation with grassroots community strategies for immediate safety improvements. Real-world examples illustrate the complexities of relying solely on advanced technology.
The national deployment of V2X technology in 75% of U.S. intersections aims to enhance road safety but faces significant implementation challenges.
Community-focused urban design improvements, such as adjusting traffic signals and lane widths, may offer quicker and cheaper alternatives to advanced technology for enhancing safety.
Deep dives
Insights on Urban Design and Community Engagement
The speaker, with extensive experience in architecture and urbanism, emphasizes the significance of engaging with communities to apply urban design principles effectively. Having transitioned from local government to a role in community action, they aim to facilitate discussions that encourage communities to rethink their environments. The process involves moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical applications of urban design concepts, fostering local initiatives that encourage residents to take action. By collaborating directly with community members, they provide support in trying unique ideas that aim to transform urban spaces into more functional and vibrant environments.
Evaluating the V2X Technology Proposal
The introduction of Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technology aims to enhance traffic safety through improved communication between vehicles and infrastructure. The proposed national deployment plan intends to implement this technology across 75% of U.S. intersections over the next decade, yet challenges remain due to the current lack of equipped vehicles and infrastructure. Despite the potential benefits, concerns arise about the feasibility of such an ambitious plan, especially given the need for a significant percentage of vehicles to be equipped with the technology for it to be effective. The speaker questions the practicality of this high-tech approach, suggesting that investment could be redirected towards more immediate interventions to improve road safety.
Concerns Over Technology vs. Traditional Approaches
Skepticism regarding the reliance on advanced technology like V2X stems from the belief that fundamental issues in urban environments should be addressed through effective design rather than digital solutions. The speaker highlights how many cities can achieve safety improvements with minimal investment by implementing simple changes rather than waiting for technological advancements. By focusing on traditional urban design elements—such as narrowed lanes and efficient traffic signals—communities can create safer environments more quickly and effectively. This perspective advocates for prioritizing practical, low-cost solutions and fostering community involvement over large-scale technological investments that may not tackle the root causes of traffic-related issues.
The Importance of Physical Environments in Urban Safety
Analyzing patterns in crash data, the speaker identifies design flaws and misalignments in urban intersections that contribute to accidents, emphasizing the need for practical adjustments rather than technological fixes. The focus on how physical environments influence behavior underscores the idea that factors like visibility and road width significantly impact safety outcomes. The speaker warns against over-reliance on digital systems, arguing that they may inadvertently promote complacency among drivers, reducing alertness on the road. By designing cities to support slower speeds and enhance pedestrian visibility, communities can create safer, more walkable environments, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a national deployment plan of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, a wireless communication tool that allows vehicles to transmit data on speed, location, road condition and other basic information. The DOT plans to implement this technology in 75% of the nation's intersections over the next decade or so.
In this episode of Upzoned, host Abby Newsham is joined by Strong Towns Director of Community Action Edward Erfurt. They discuss how V2X technology works, the challenges and risks of implementing it, and the alternatives that cities can use to increase safety more quickly and cheaply.