WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 - Imagine a world where highway crashes and their tragic consequences are significantly reduced, vehicles of all types can talk to traffic signals to eliminate unnecessary stops and help people drive in the most fuel efficient manner, travelers can get accurate travel time information about all modes and route options and the potential environmental impacts of their choices, and transportation managers have data to accurately assess multi-modal transportation system performance.

This vision may be closer than you think and is the focus of the U.S. Department of Transportation's (U.S. DOT) next five-year ITS Strategic Research Plan, 2010-2014. The plan explores the potentially transformative capabilities of wireless technology to make surface transportation safer, smarter and greener and ultimately enhance livability for Americans. The core of the research plan is a program called IntelliDrive(SM), a multimodal initiative that aims to enable safe, interoperable wireless connectivity between vehicles (autos, buses, trucks, and other fleets), infrastructure and passengers' devices to support safety, mobility and environmental enhancements.

A key part of this research will examine how to effectively deliver warnings to vehicle operators - to enhance overall safety and minimize driver distraction. In addition to core research, the five-year program also supports technology transfer and knowledge and skills development of ITS professionals throughout the country.

The strategic plan was approved by the ITS Management Council on December 8, 2009. For more information, visit http://www.its.dot.gov/strat_plan/index.htm.