Selmon Expressway Now Eligible as Testing Ground for Automated Vehicles

Florida Turnpike Newsletter ^ | Spring/Summer 2014

[wonkowasright]

Selmon Expressway Now Eligible as Testing Ground for Automated Vehicles

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) announced that the Selmon Expressway (Expressway) is about to make history. Approved by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) and the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Expressway has met the criteria to become an automated vehicle testing ground, joining a small affiliation of other testing ground locations nationwide and only the second one in Florida. The Expressway’s designation provides the capabilities for researchers to test the safety, mobility, environmental and efficiency advantages, services, standards and components of robotic cars "within the latest technology standards and architecture consistent with the United States Department of Transportation's Vehicle-To-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) research program," according to the RITA Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office. "It will allow for application testing with the focus and potential to save lives and provide continuous real-time connectivity among users." Some expected benefits of the driverless cars include the following: Fewer navigational errors, Fewer traffic collisions and accidents, Reduced traffic congestion and increased traffic flow, Higher allowable speed limits, Expanded freedom of use by those of any age, disability or intoxication level to use the vehicles, drastically reduce the need for close by parking and redundant drivers (since the robotic cars would not need human drivers), and Reduction in the need and costs for traffic police, vehicle insurance, taxi services and road signage, to name a few expected benefits. Florida became the second state in the nation allowing automated vehicles to operate on its roads. For more information and details regarding the testing ground affiliation and future capabilities, click here or contact THEA Planning Director Bob Frey at 813-272-6740 or BobF@tampa-xway.com.

[wonkowasright]

I used to joke about autonomous cars finally letting me have an in vehicle wet bar........... But it turns out thats now one of its selling points ........

[ComputerGuy]

Absolutely nothing can go wrong...
go wrong...
go wrong...

[wonkowasright]

I’m a fan of the technology but i have to laugh at the selling points of .... “higher speeds, no signs, and snockered pilots”

[ComputerGuy]

People might not even notice cars on autopilot in Florida :)

[freedumb2003]

It has to be posted:

[driftdiver]

I’m convinced the mob runs this road. Their public numbers show $42M a year is collected in tolls. Probably 30 M of that goes into someones pocket.

[Texan5]

Any place with driverless cars-aka a predictable disaster looking for a place to happen-is a place I intend to stay away from, thanks. Me and the 4x4 I drive all by myself will keep to the farm roads, state highways and avoid the city-there are Home Depots and supermarkets in the small towns...

[wonkowasright]

Ya thats true for sure.

[Dogfaced Soldier]

I think it will take awhile for the technology to prove itself and the law & regulations to sort but autonomous cars will be a blessing for the elderly. We had to take my Mom’s car keys away from her when she was 90 and her life was never the same afterwards. She became dependent upon others for the most common of errands - a trip to the store or to the beauty parlor, etc. The loss of her independence really affected her sense of self and spirit. It was all downhill after that for her.

[ExCTCitizen]

No, Leroy SelmonExpressway doesn’t need driverless cars on it. It and I 4, I 75 and I 275 and local roads need drivers who are PAYING ATTENTION!

[Patton@Bastogne]

.


I take it that you've driven through "Malfunction Junction" ...


.

[ExCTCitizen]

Yes...I try to avoid it. Along with the construction zone of 275 and Veteran’s Expressway.