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FCC Approves Highway Radiosystems

Posted by simoniker on from the we-interrupt-this-program dept.

prostoalex writes "According to iWon/AP, the FCC has approved a range of radio frequencies to be used on US highways for transmitting important traffic information. The technology is still 5-10 years away from being implemented in cars and on the roads, but the FCC has set aside a special area of the spectrum instead of sharing the frequencies with other applications and devices. As for uses, there's currently a test running at an intersection in McLean, Va., where sensors can automatically warn a motorist when another car is approaching, thus helping to avoid a collision."

14 of 192 comments (clear)

  1. FlRST STEPS TO GOVERNMENT MlND CONTROL !! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    This is it fellow /.'ers ... Don your tin foil hats and think happy thoughts!

  2. Traffic information over the radio? by raehl · · Score: 3, Funny

    What's next, putting people in helicopters that fly over highways to get the information to broadcast?

    --
    paintball
  3. Driving For Dummies by newshooze · · Score: 1, Funny

    there's currently a test running at an intersection in McLean, Va., where sensors can automatically warn a motorist when another car is approaching, thus helping to avoid a collision.

    I guess looking both directions while approaching and intersection is impossible.

  4. Wait a minute! by b_w_duncan · · Score: 5, Funny

    "where sensors can automatically warn a motorist when another car is approaching, thus helping to avoid a collision."

    Who would have guessed... they've invented traffic lights!

    1. Re:Wait a minute! by ad0gg · · Score: 2, Funny

      Actually it just notifies the "Auto injury" lawyers.

      --

      Have you ever been to a turkish prison?

  5. Appropriate technology by El · · Score: 4, Funny
    ...there's currently a test running at an intersection in McLean, Va., where sensors can automatically warn a motorist when another car is approaching, thus helping to avoid a collision.

    Don't they already have a device that allows people to see around blind corners? I beleive it's called a "mirror"... but then, I guess they can't get a patent on that technology.

    --

    "Freedom means freedom for everybody" -- Dick Cheney

  6. As useful as the 700nm-400nm spectrum? by Kelmenson · · Score: 5, Funny

    People ignore the data in that spectrum, and its right in front of their eyes!

  7. If a tree falls in the forest... by dnaboy · · Score: 3, Funny

    Unless it calls people (OK, myself included), on their cell phone, no one will ever notice. Priorities: 1. The conversation about what bar to meet your friends at, 2. Lighting another cigarette, 3. The road, and finally 4. The radio

    1. Re:If a tree falls in the forest... by digitalsushi · · Score: 2, Funny

      You: (driving your 2004 Toyota MallRunner) yeah I couldnt believe it, Dharma was standing on this table and Greg couldnt get her to--
      Phone: beepbeep
      You: Oh, hey I have another call, hold on a sec. *hit talk button*
      Phone: *in Majel Barrett voice* Warning. 18 wheeler on collision course. Impact in 15 seconds.
      You: *hit talk button* Heya mom listen, I gotta take this call. Call you back. No, you hang up. ... no, you hang up. ... No-- Agh!
      *your SUV crashes into another SUV
      Phone: beepbeep
      You: *talk button*
      Majel: Lateral damage to plastic roll bar, port side.
      You: Thanks Majel!
      Geordi: But you dont have to take her word for it!
      BUH DUH DUH

      --
      slashdot: where everyone yells sarcastic metaphors to themselves to understand the issue
  8. Radar detectors already do that by draggy · · Score: 2, Funny

    over the X-Band

    --

    Let's not all suck at the same time please

  9. wow! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I thought that the AM band was already the unused frequencies they used for traffic reports.

  10. Traffic warning ... by jamesl · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... through your radio.

    Truckin'- got my chips cashed in
    Keep Truckin' like the doodah man
    Together - more or less in line

    *LOOK OUT! YOU'RE GONNA CRASH!*

    Just keep truckin' on ...

  11. AWS (Ambiguous Warning System) by dhwang · · Score: 5, Funny

    I don't know about you, but I've already got the early warning system installed in my car. It's called a "passenger". Specifically, that passenger that suddenly shouts "OH, OH, OH, OH!" as you driving down the street.

    Then after you slam on the brakes to avoid an unseen danger (while hoping you don't get rear-ended in the process), your passenger continues, "I didn't know there was an In 'N Out here!".

  12. Can't Wait! by 955301 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Personally, I'm looking forward to driving around in a world full of vehicles with automated collision response systems. The first thing I'm doing is hacking the rear emitter so the next time some nitwit on a phone is compelled to tailgate me, I "inform" his BMW that I am now traveling BACKWARDS!

    Muahahahaha

    --
    You are checking your backups, aren't you?