As many Rhode Island motorists know, several motorcycle accidents happen due to the low visibility motorcycles have on the road. Recent advancements in vehicle-to-vehicle communications may help decrease the number of crashes by alerting drivers to their presence.

V2V communication enables vehicles to transmit safety data to one another in an attempt to avoid accidents. The data, which is transmitted up to 10 times each second, includes information on the vehicle's speed and position. The data provides drivers with advance notice of risks that may be ahead, allowing the operator to take evasive action in order to avoid a crash.

In 2012, a pilot program that included 3,000 vehicles in Michigan attempted to test the viability of V2V communications. According to the Department of Transportation, the trial proved the technology was capable of working, and it allowed communication by V2V systems made by different manufacturers.

V2V communication allows drivers to visualize their surroundings from all directions, and potential problems are signaled to drivers from a distance of several hundred yards. Accidents while passing or making a left turn may be avoided. While the technology is not yet used by motorcyclists, its use in the future is envisioned.

Technology may help drivers avoid accidents but, in the end, driver focus and adherence to the rules of the road is essential. When drivers fail to do this, motorcycle accidents may occur. Motorcyclists may suffer serious injury in such accidents, and this may result in a heavy financial burden.

An attorney may assist by reviewing the accident to determine fault using police reports and witness accounts. If appropriate, the attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.

Source: Ultimate Motorcycling, "Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications for Motorcycles?", Gary Ilminen, Jan. 6, 2015