The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has released a new online course that highlights the basics of connected vehicle technology. The course is free and can be found at: http://www.citeconsortium.org/course/connected-vehicles-101/.
This introductory course targets transportation planners, managers, and engineers at state and local agency levels, who are interested in learning more about the connected vehicle program and its benefits and implications for public agencies. Participants will learn about the safety, mobility, and environmental applications envisioned for the connected vehicle environment.
The USDOT's connected vehicle effort is now moving from research to reality. Participants will also gain an overview of the infrastructure requirements being developed, including communication standards, operations and maintenance implications, and upcoming policy decisions. In addition, the course will discuss recent Intelligent Transportation System Joint Program Office activities and opportunities for participants to get involved by considering how vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and applications could be used to solve their transportation challenges.
The connected vehicle concept leverages the potentially transformative capabilities of wireless technology to make surface transportation safer, smarter, and greener. Connected vehicles will ultimately enhance the mobility and quality of life of all Americans, while helping to reduce the environmental impact of surface transportation.
Upon completion of the course, participants will understand:
- What is meant by "connected" vehicles
- Terms/jargon related to connected vehicles
- Technology used for connected vehicles
- Applications available for connected vehicles; pertinent USDOT research related to connected vehicles, including applications and technologies
- Potential issues in preparing for connected vehicle implementation
- How to become or stay involved.
The course is offered in cooperation with the Consortium of ITS Education and Training.
