If Information Technology Could Save Lives, Improve Productivity, Help Clean Up the Environment, and Lower the Budget Deficit, Would We Use It? Should We Use It?

Research and development has presented society and business with tremendous potential. Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems are rich with opportunity. The vision of opportunity is currently out of focus to business and the average citizen. The Intelligent Vehicle Highway enthusiast is faced with significant barriers to understanding. The technology enthusiast is likewise in jeopardy of being charged with a myopic focus by those less familiar with the technology. This paper is intended to present the position that an awareness of the multiple perspectives of the end user and technologist, must grow closer. A more risk free environment should be fostered to balance user readiness and technology prior to the rigors of competitive and legal issues. The reality is that these issues already exist. A bridge of understanding is needed to take advantage of the many possible benefits and to minimize the risks.