Working of Intelligent Transport Systems

Intelligent transport system design act will incorporate a wide variety of sensors to improve and enhance the safety of roads and highways and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already expressed interest in funding an Intelligent Transportation System Design Act to standardize the use of traffic signals and to standardize the use of speed and acceleration indicators in vehicles. However, some in the car industry, including car manufacturers of the speed monitors used to determine vehicle speeds, have criticized this idea as it may prevent car manufacturers from manufacturing certain types of vehicles that would otherwise be illegal.

The Three Legislation in Act

There are three separate pieces of legislation being considered that would have the effect of standardizing the way we regulate traffic. The first of these, the NHTSA Act, has already been passed into law. This Act requires that all new vehicles be built with certain features and allows drivers to choose what features they want in their cars. It also requires car manufacturers to enable consumers to choose from a variety of options, such as what type of seat they want, whether or not to include a safety steering system, and how many passengers should be in the front seat.

The second piece of legislation being debated concerns the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The FMCB is to be issued by the Department of Transportation. It contains important guidance for the design of controlled transportation systems, such as traffic signals, speed signs, and other signs and devices. The FMCB may also be interpreted to define or regulate many elements of an electronic control system, including software, signal interference, operator authorization, and signal channels. Some have commented that this may create too many regulations and may make it difficult for manufacturers to build certain types of systems that will be safe and efficient.

The third piece of legislation being debated regarding the intelligent transport system design act. This Act was introduced in part by Representatives Waxman (Democrat California) and Geprin (Democrat-PA). The primary intent behind the Act is to improve the design of vehicles and to encourage the use of high-quality intelligent transportation systems. However, the Act may also be interpreted to regulate the implementation of the design of certain aspects of a smart transport system, such as vehicle door sensors. These sensors may help to prevent human injury or prevent loss of life and therefore are covered by the FMCB.