smart+roads+and+cars

Smart Roads and Cars
Smart cars and smart roads are both part of Intelligent Transport Systems, or ITS. "ITS improves transportation safety and mobility and enhances productivity through the use of advanced communications technologies." - **Intelligent Transportation Systems**, U.S. Department of Transportation, Accessed: January 17, 2007. In other words, ITS is the incorporation of IT systems into the roads and cars we use everyday. Smart cars, also known as autonomous cars, are vehicles that have been designed and manufactured to be driven without a driver. For a visual example, check out the Volkswagen Autonomous **'53 Plus 1**' Car video. Smart cars are aimed at more than one goal such as increasing driver and passanger safety, reducing accidents and traffic congestion, and offering drivers a luxury of a personal, without a human driver. Smart cars utilize many useful IT capabilities and resources to enable them to drive autonomously. These cars have on-board computers that receive all types of information from possible sources such as radars and laser sensors, GPS incorporating satellite-nagivation systems, stereo cameras, and sound systems. The on-board computers are programmed with software that automatically knows how to process and utilize this information. Some smart cars, in order to perform at an optimum level on a new track or circuit need to go around once slowly, recording information on the track. This information is retreived by the aforementioned sensors and IT equipment, processed, and stored onto the on-board computer. With all of this done, the car can then race around the track about as fast as a human driver. Another type of smart car works a little differently. It does not need a chance to work out a route and so forth before taking to the trail, however it cannot race around as fast, and requires more sensory equipment. For two examples of the two different styles of smart cars, check out: **'Spirit', Axion Racing’s autonomous Jeep Grand Cherokee** **Volkswagen's '53 Plus 1' Autonomous car** Smart roads incorporate many aspects of modern technology into the infrastructure they consist of. There are twelve **main aspects** to this, including four others which, though still relevant, are not as essential to smart roads. Smart roads aim to help the driver overcome common obstacles such as weather obstructions, traffic congestion, tolls and payments, needed information, and so on. By using sensors and communications systems via satellite and mobile technology, drivers can find out everything they need, and receive additional assistance that they may need while on the road. This requires a large amount of resources, especially when compared to the amount needed when constructing conventional roadways. There are three major aspects of road ways in which the IT systems of smart roads are incorporated into. Firstly, there are smart tunnels, which utilize the technology to monitor traffic, accidents, air/gas levels, and more. This technology is costly and makes construction more difficult, however it greatly increases the driver safety and overall efficiency of the tunnel. Secondly, bridges incorporated similar IT technology, also including weather monitoring systems as well. Sensors on the bridge can monitor things like whether the bridge is iced over or too slippery, and then communicate that information back to the drivers via radio, satellite, or signs before the bridge itself. Again it is costly but increases safety. Thirdly, highways can use systems for fast and easy electronic payment of tolls and fares. This increases speed and reduces the need of personnel in toll boths, by using an electronic card that can be read on the car itself. Advantages

Disadvantages
 * Increase in driver and passenger safety (deals with accident and weater issues)
 * Anti-collision systems to help prevent crashes and the injury of those in the car
 * Added luxury and comfort for driver since they do not need to drive themselves all the time
 * Easily accessible information through the onboard computer and road-side assistance
 * Road assistance when stranded
 * Real-time weather and traffic reports to help eliminate traffic jams and increase speed
 * More control over road conditions such as traffic situations

Social and Ethical Issues
 * Costly because of the need for more expensive resources, personnel, and additional technology
 * Takes driver control away from the driver and to the computer
 * Software malfucntions can render the vehicle unsafe
 * Hardware malfunctions can render cars and roads inoperable
 * Increase in need for maintenance, software upgrades, and more expensive parts
 * 1. Reliability**


 * When putting a computer in control of the car, it must be dependable
 * The hardware and software must be reliable
 * If depending on directions, weather, and traffic reports, they must be accurate
 * 2. Integrity**


 * The validity of the data being used to make reports
 * The accuracy of the data being sensed by the car
 * 3. Security**


 * Additional security features in the car such as infrared keys, and alcohol breathalyzer tests
 * Safety and anti-collision features
 * 4. Privacy and Anonymity**


 * N/A
 * 5. Authenticity**


 * Technology can be incorporated to verify driver, and that he/she is not drunk
 * 6. Intellectual Property**


 * The corporations and engineers that come up with the technology, will others try to mimick it or steal it?
 * 7. Equality of Access**


 * Money is a large factor in the availability of this technology, so it will not give equal access to everyone
 * Access to GPS systems, and the technology required to operate
 * Roads with actual rules being followed, in order for the computer to be able to cope
 * 8. Control**


 * Computer controls the car, not the driver
 * Controlling roads and traffic
 * 9. Globalization and Cultural Diversity**


 * Technology can spread from the originating countries
 * 10. Policies and Standards**


 * Driving laws and regulations (different for each country)
 * Car regulations (different for each region)
 * Driving standards (extremely different from place to place)
 * 11. People and Machines**


 * Rather than driving, they let the machine drive them
 * People will depend on the machines for directions and information
 * Depending on machines for support and assistance

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