With C-V2X direct communications technology, the driver receives a direct message alert in the cockpit of the Audi vehicle providing an early notification of an approaching school bus stop situation. The alert is provided even when the school bus is not visible to the driver such as around a corner, over a hill or if the driver’s view is blocked by other vehicles. Conversely, the school bus driver receives an alert of the approaching vehicle during a school bus stop as well as a warning if a vehicle is potentially approaching too quickly to be able to stop in time. This allows the school bus driver to take actions such as to not open the door or to alert the children to remain on the curb. The end result is that it enables drivers to have additional time to prepare or react and contributes to safer transportation for school children.

Direct communication allows vehicles and school buses to communicate 10 times per second at a distance of up to 400 yards, virtually eliminating the latency inherent to communicating via cell tower networks. Each vehicle shares its location, speed and direction with others, thereby providing more safety for all, especially when every second counts.

Audi has already demonstrated the benefits of direct communication within school and construction zones as well as for cyclists, and construction workers. The same technology implementation can be utilized for motorcyclists as well as emergency vehicles and at some point in the relatively near future, pedestrians. Direct communications technology has the potential to help save lives and provide an incredibly valuable step toward automated driving.

Audi and Navistar worked with technology partner, Applied Information, to bring this demonstration to life. Audi, Navistar and Applied Information are committed to sharing the knowledge gained and working closely with local, state and national government officials to push its adoption forward. Learn more about C-V2X here.