U.S. Pushes Forward with V2X Technology to Improve Road Safety

New Roadmap Aims to Accelerate Deployment and Save Thousands of Lives

In a bid to curb the rising number of traffic fatalities, the U.S. Department of Transportation has unveiled a roadmap to accelerate the rollout of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology across the nation’s roads and highways. Safety advocates have long touted the potential of V2X, which allows vehicles to communicate wirelessly with each other, as well as with roadway infrastructure, pedestrians, and cyclists. The aim is to drastically reduce accidents by providing real-time data on road conditions, vehicle locations, and speeds, even in poor visibility conditions.

The head of the Federal Highway Administration, Shailen Bhatt, emphasized the proven efficacy of V2X technology during the recent launch event. “This is technology that works,” Bhatt stated, “and it’s time to deploy it at scale.” He highlighted how V2X enables continuous sharing of vital information, improving safety for all road users. The expectation is that once fully deployed, V2X will prevent thousands of crashes each year and minimize the severity of those that still occur.

The Promise of V2X Technology

V2X technology allows vehicles to share information with each other and with surrounding infrastructure. This constant data exchange includes details on speed, position, road conditions, and hazards—giving drivers (and the vehicles themselves) the ability to react more quickly to potential accidents. This could be especially useful in poor visibility conditions, such as during fog, heavy rain, or when rounding a sharp bend. The technology could also prove lifesaving for cyclists and pedestrians, who are especially vulnerable in traffic incidents.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, expressed confidence that V2X could drastically reduce the more than 40,000 traffic fatalities seen in the U.S. annually. Speaking virtually at the event, Homendy referenced recent multi-vehicle accidents in Ohio that claimed several lives, pointing out that V2X could have helped prevent such tragedies.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding V2X, the rollout has faced obstacles. During the Obama administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed making V2X mandatory for cars and light trucks. However, the proposal was later scrapped during the Trump administration, and regulatory uncertainty has slowed deployment efforts ever since.

With the new roadmap, the federal government hopes to turn the tide. The plan aims to equip 20% of the National Highway System with V2X infrastructure by 2028 and ensure 25% of the largest metro areas have V2X-enabled signalized intersections.

Legal Recourse for Victims of Road Accidents

While technology like V2X offers hope for the future, traffic accidents remain a reality today. Many people are injured or killed every year in accidents involving motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. When these accidents are caused by the negligence or recklessness of another driver, victims and their families may have legal recourse through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Common injuries in road accidents include fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal injuries, and severe lacerations. Victims often face long recovery periods and expensive medical treatments. In many cases, their injuries prevent them from working or enjoying the same quality of life they had before the accident.

In such cases, victims may be entitled to financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. The process typically begins with a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorney will investigate the accident, collect evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the attorney may file a lawsuit and take the case to court.

Having an attorney is essential for navigating the complex legal system, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and maximizing the potential compensation. In cases involving serious injuries, the financial stakes are high, and insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. A dedicated attorney will advocate for the victim’s rights and work to secure the best possible outcome.