Program Information Back

The national VII research program is divided into three phases:
  • Phase I - Operational testing including SafeTrip-21
  • Phase II - Research in the areas of enabling technology, institutional issues, and applications to support deployment
  • Phase III - Monitoring and assessing future technologies for reducing costs and enhancing system performance.

In December 2007, the USDOT announced SafeTrip-21—Safe and Efficient Travel through Innovation and Partnerships in the 21st Century. This multi-application field test of safety and congestion-reducing technologies will be launched at the Intelligent Transportation Systems World Congress in New York City from November 16-18, 2008 and then integrated into other test locations.




  
SafeTrip-21 builds upon research into the use of information, navigation, and communications technologies to prevent accidents and alleviate congestion by providing drivers with real-time safety warnings, traffic and transit information, and advanced navigational tools. SafeTrip-21 will accelerate testing and deployment of these capabilities.

Phase II continues the foundational research necessary to determine the viability of a nationwide VII deployment decision. Significant work has been done in partnership with automakers, equipment suppliers, and state and local governments in assessing potential technology and applications. Concept testing is being conducted in Michigan, California, Virginia, Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, and New York.

Privacy principles and related technical requirements have been developed. Study of other legal and institutional issues is underway, and work has begun to explore potential deployment scenarios and business models. Phase III will be an ongoing scanning activity to make sure that the vehicle infrastructure integration initiative continues to plan for and use the best available technology over time.

VII program reports and documents are available in the Library. Many public agencies, universities, and the private sector are also conducing VII-related research. More information about these research activities is available on the Tests and Demonstrations page.