Making new road traffic systems practical
The increased role of electronics and information technology in vehicles will not revolutionize the vehicles alone: incorporating data transmission and processing functions will also help develop safer, more convenient traffic systems. For example, two-way communications between sensors fitted to cars will enable automatic maintenance of a safe distance between vehicles, helping prevent collisions. Similarly, roadside IC chips and control systems may be used to create safety functions that prevent speeding and uncontrolled departures from lanes. Other ideas include deploying cars as "mobile sensors" whereby, for example, information on the use of windscreen wipers can be collected and analyzed for use in determining local rainfall conditions.

Car-based road traffic systems are on the verge of dramatic change. The electronics industry is certain to play a key role in the development of a sustainable automobile-reliant society.