As motor manufacturers and transport chiefs continue to work to make our roads safer, modern technology is playing a greater role. In its efforts to contribute to this, Volkswagen has announced that from 2019, it is to begin fitting ‘pWLAN’ technology to its models.

This technology involves information being exchanged both between vehicles, and between cars and other transport infrastructure. Within the limits of the system, the new technology is capable of identifying potential traffic hazards such as a car making an emergency stop or up-coming black ice. Within a few milliseconds, this information can be shared with the local environment, allowing other road users to react to this risky situation appropriately.

It will also, for example, enable information about the current traffic situation, accidents and other situations relating to traffic conditions to be shared with the local environment, within a radius of approximately 500 metres, faster than has been possible in the past.

The technology gives customers an added advantage, because it uses a special frequency band intended for road safety and traffic efficiency all within a localised area. It means that no data is stored centrally, and that it does not need to rely on mobile phone network coverage.

“We want to increase road safety with the aid of networked vehicles, and the most efficient way of achieving this is through the rapid roll-out of a common technology”, explains Johannes Neft, Head of Vehicle Body Development for the Volkswagen brand. “What matters most is that the technology is used consistently, and by as many manufacturers and partners as possible.”

When it is launched in 2019, the system will be based on warnings and information on local traffic risks that arise at short notice. So, for example, reducing the risks of rear-end collisions in the area of roadworks on motorways.

As the effectiveness increases through a large number of users, Volkswagen is cooperating with authorities, ministries of transport and other automobile and transport industry partners, working on projects to accelerate the spread of the technology through to its inclusion in serial production.