Intelligent Vehicle/Highway Systems in the U.S. - In Need of a Vision

Traffic congestion has become a major problem in the United States. Advanced technologies, referred to as Intelligent Vehicle/Highway Systems (IVHS), offer the best solution. IVHS allow communication between vehicle and highway. IVHS include Advanced Traffic Management Systems, Advanced Driver Information Systems, Commercial Vehicle Operations, and Automated Vehicle Control Systems. IVHS offer to reduce congestion, enhance safety, increase productivity, and improve U.S. competitiveness. IVHS development programs are underway in Europe and Japan. No national IVHS program exists in the United States. Three questions are asked. Is there need for a national IVHS program? Which system is intelligent, the vehicle or the highway? Which system comes first, the vehicle or the highway? Public and private sector cooperation is needed. The federal government will coordinate efforts between state and local governments and private industry. The public and Congress must be convinced that IVHS are beneficial.