‘Talking’ cars set to make driving safer

SO much for KITT – the famous talking car from the 1980s hit series Knight Rider – being pure science fiction.

“Talking” cars became a reality yesterday as they hit the road for the first time in Europe as part of a road safety initiative.

Tests on the vehicles were held on streets around Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam in three projects funded by the European Commission.

Technology used in such smart cars allows the vehicles to communicate with other road users as well as infrastructure such as traffic lights and road signs about potential hazards The car uses WiFi and GPS systems to see dangers beyond a driver’s immediate vision.

For example, a crashed car hidden behind a bend in the road can warn oncoming motorists about the accident.

Speed limits can also be displayed on a vehicle’s dashboard even if the driver can’t see the sign, while traffic information can be relayed via beacons located along a road.

The EU has predicted that the €52 million projects could result in the mass production of so-called talking cars by 2015.

EU Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes said the technology had the potential to make car trips safer and more energy efficient. “Cooperative systems and services like those in our ‘talking’ cars stand to bring real added value for Europe’s drivers. They can help to promote safe and smart mobility in Europe, leading to fewer fatalities and injuries and a lower CO2 footprint.”